ISM’s New Orders Index registered 52.4 percent in October, which is an increase of 2.8 percentage points when compared to the September reading of 49.6 percent, and represents a return to growth after three consecutive months of contraction. A New Orders Index above 52.1 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).
The eight industries reporting growth in new orders in October — listed in order — are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The nine industries reporting decreases in new orders in October — listed in order — are: Wood Products; Textile Mills; Chemical Products; Furniture & Related Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Paper Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; and Apparel, Leather & Allied Products.
| New Orders | %Better | %Same | %Worse | Net | Index | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Oct 2011 | 22 | 53 | 25 | -3 | 52.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sep 2011 | 23 | 53 | 24 | -1 | 49.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Aug 2011 | 22 | 53 | 25 | -3 | 49.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Jul 2011 | 24 | 53 | 23 | +1 | 49.2 |
