Economy
March 11, 2014
Key Banc Update on Key End Markets
Written by Sandy Williams
Key Banc recently published its report entitled “The Industrial Cycle: Monthly Update on Key End Markets.” The following is a summary of findings from report that SMU readers may find interesting.
Key Banc says the outlook for industrial activity remains positive for 2014. After a dismal performance in January affected by weather conditions, activity rebounded in February with a number of macro indicators showing improvement. The U.S. Manufacturing ISM index was above 50 for nine consecutive months in February, rising to 53.2 after a low reading of 51.3 in January attributed to severe winter conditions in most of the country. North America, in general, is in a positive trend with nonresidential construction continuing to show improvement for 2014. In China, the PMI dropped for the second month to a reading of 50.1 in February as both demand and production slowed. The Eurozone is showing promise with an accelerated rate in new orders, production and manufacturing job creation.
