Orders/Activity Expected to Fall in Q4 Says PMA

Metalforming companies are predicting a decline in economic activity during the next three months after showing optimism in the August survey last month.  The September 2013 Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report showed the number of participants forecasting a decline in activity doubled in September to 14 percent, with 51 percent expecting no change (down from 59 percent) and 35 percent forecasting an improvement (up one percent from August).

PMA respondents indicated a decline in incoming orders is expected over the next three months.  Average daily shipping levels rose slightly in September, with 34 percent reporting levels higher than three months ago.