According to the NAM/IndustryWeek Manufacturing Index — 2nd Quarter 2010, published by the National Association of Manufacturers and IndustryWeek, 74% of manufacturers were optimistic about future prospects in 2Q 2010: a sharp contrast from the 28% who said that in Q1 2009.
Business Outlook (% of firms with a positive business outlook)
2008.1 64%
2008.2 52%
2008.3 41%
2008.4 33%
2009.1 28%
2009.2 42%
2009.3 55%
2009.4 60%
2010.1 70%
2010.2 74%
For a fifth consecutive quarter, the share of respondents with a positive business outlook increased, however the pace of improvement slowed compared to the previous four quarters. Does that mean that the manufacturing recovery will decelerate? Not if Washington reads the signals and holds on regulatory changes that stifle growth. Not if exchange rates hold and US manufacturers continue to find customers in the global marketplace. The biggest challenge will be putting American workers back to work so consumer spending rebounds.
No comments:
Post a Comment