CAMS Weekly View from the Corner – Week ending 9/72018
September 10, 2018
The Institute of Supply Management (ISM) is the largest private not-for-profit entity that advances the practice of supply management on a global basis. Having been around for decades their membership is large and broad in regards to the numerous industries their membership represents.
The ISM has been surveying said membership regularly for decades and simultaneously has published their ISM Manufacturing Report on Business. Their monthly report has become an established economic indicator. A key measure within this report is the Purchasing Managers Index which is made up of various measures of activity.
A number above 50 for the PMI represents growth and below 50 represents contraction. Moving further away from 50 in either direction represents enhanced strength or weakness.
This past week the PMI for Manufacturing in August came in at an astounding 61.3.
Putting this into perspective, this is the highest reading this manufacturing indicator has reached since August of 2004. Adding to this, at that time, this level was attained briefly and then retreated swiftly. Prior to the 2004 time we have to go back to the mid-1980’s to see readings this strong.
In recent months we have been holding the high 50-to-low 60 levels which speak to consistent strength unlike the short visit to these levels experienced in 2004.
In addition, per the table above, New Orders and Production, which are components of the overall Index, posted continued notable strength that also is accelerating.
In the case of New Orders (representing the much needed pipeline of future strength) this report reflects the longest run above 60 dating back to the early 1970’s.
All told, per the Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing Index, the U.S. manufacturing base is rock solid.
If you are a consistent reader of these Weekly Views you may recognize our on-going theme that we need to see solid economic growth moving forward to fundamentally support our highly valued markets.
The type of growth displayed in the above results is pointing to what we need to see on a continued basis.
I wish you well…
Ken Reinhart
Director, Market Research & Portfolio Analysis
Portfolio Manager, CAMS Spectrum Portfolio
Footnote:
H&UP’s is a quick summation of a rating system for SPX9 (abbreviation encompassing 9 Sectors of the S&P 500 with 107 sub-groups within those 9 sectors) that quickly references the percentage that is deemed healthy and higher (H&UP). This comes from the proprietary “V-NN” ranking system that is composed of 4 ratings which are “V-H-N-or NN”. A “V” or an “H” is a positive or constructive rank for said sector or sub-group within the sectors.
This commentary is presented only to provide perspectives on investment strategies and opportunities. The material contains opinions of the author, which are subject to markets change without notice. Statements concerning financial market trends are based on current market conditions which fluctuate. References to specific securities and issuers are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations to purchase or sell such securities. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will work under all market conditions. Each investor should evaluate their ability to invest for the long-term, especially during periods of downturn in the market. PERFORMANCE IS NOT GUARANTEED AND LOSSES CAN OCCUR WITH ANY INVESTMENT STRATEGY.
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