Key Takeaway:
December’s seasonally adjusted FDI of 51.6 increased slightly from November’s 50.6 reading and remained in expansionary territory. Results for 2016 overall were mixed with half of the monthly readings registering below the neutral rating of 50 and half above—consistent with the choppy and mostly flattish conditions seen in industrial markets throughout 2016. That said, in the second half of the year, the seasonally-adjusted FDI was above 50.0 in 4 of 6 months, implying slightly better conditions exiting the year. December sales saw moderate growth vs. November among distributors, with 67% of respondents noting flat or stronger selling conditions versus the preceding month. Commentary from survey respondents on current market conditions remained mixed, but with a slightly more optimistic tone on hopes that end markets will show improvement in 2017. (…)
via FCH Sourcing Network Releases American Fastener Distributor Index for December 2016.