Written on: October 1, 2019 by SprayTM
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reported that the Chemical Activity Barometer (CAB) was up 0.1% in September on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis following a 0.1% decline in August and gains averaging 0.2% per month during the second quarter. On a year-over-year (Y/Y) basis, the barometer was flat at 0.0% (3MMA).
The unadjusted measure of the CAB was up 0.6% in September following a 0.7% decline in August. The diffusion index rose to 67% in September. The diffusion index marks the number of positive contributors relative to the total number of indicators monitored. The CAB reading for August was revised upward by 0.09 points and that for July by 0.34 points.
“Although one month does not make a trend, the positive September CAB reading and upward revisions in the data are encouraging signs,” said Kevin Swift, Chief Economist at ACC. “The barometer indicates gains in U.S. commerce into the second quarter of 2020, but at a slow pace.”
The CAB has four main components to create indicators: production, equity prices, product prices and inventories.
Production-related indicators in September were slightly positive. Plastic resins used in packaging and for consumer and institutional applications were mixed. Performance chemistry improved. U.S. exports were mixed, reflecting trade tensions, a high dollar and a weak global manufacturing environment. Equity prices rebounded this month, as did product and input prices. Inventory and other indicators were positive.
For the full report, visit: https://www.americanchemistry.com/CAB-vs-Industrial-Production/.
