ISM Manufacturing Index

Description: Based on surveys of 300 purchasing managers nationwide and represents 20 industries regarding manufacturing activity. The ISM Manufacturing index is considered to be the premier manufacturing indices. Readings of 50% or above are typically associated with an expanding manufacturing sector and healthy economy, while readings below 50 are associated with contraction.

The sub-components of the index are very important and it contains useful information about manufacturing activity. The production component is related to industrial production. The new orders to durable goods, orders an employment to factory payrolls. Prices are linked to producer prices, export orders to merchandise trade exports and import orders to merchandise imports. The index is seasonally adjusted for greater accuracy.

Release Date: 10:00 (EST); monthly, first business day after reporting month.