ISM: Manufacturing Continues its Recovery in January

The manufacturing sector continued to expand in January posting a PMI of 58.7 in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. The PMI slipped slightly from December’s reading of 60.5, but indicated an eighth month of expansion for the overall economy, said the Institute for Supply Management.

“The manufacturing economy continued its recovery in January. Survey committee members reported that their companies and suppliers continue to operate in reconfigured factories, but absenteeism, short-term shutdowns to sanitize facilities and difficulties in returning and hiring workers are continuing to cause strains that limit manufacturing growth potential. However, panel sentiment remains optimistic (three positive comments for every cautious comment), similar to December levels,” said Timothy Fiore, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.