Survey: U.S. Manufacturers See Solid Growth in December

The Institute for Supply Management reported this week that U.S. manufacturing activity continued to expand in December, ending the year at the fastest pace of growth since August 2018. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 16 reported growth last month. Manufacturing employment rebounded in December, expanding for just the second time since July 2019.

The U.S. Manufacturing Outlook Index, published by OMA Connections Partner RSM, has been positive for the five months since August, but the firm notes that “it may be some time before we observe robust readings in manufacturing sentiment.” 1/5/2021