September KC Fed

The KC Fed Manufacturing index for September came in at 17 vs 15.

  • Last month remained unrevised at 16
  • Factories in the region reported another good month
  • Little impact from Gulf Coast hurricanes
  • Prices paid 24 vs 21 last
  • New orders falls to 10 from 25
  • New orders for exports rise to 6 from 4
  • Production 22 vs 22 last
  • Employees 18 vs 14 last
  • Avg employee workweek falls t0 7 from 9
  • SHipments 25 vs 23 last
  • 6 month outlook rises to 26 vs 23 last

Anecdotal comments from participants in the survey:

  • It was a very strong month with nice Backlog of orders going to October
  • We're looking very good going into the last quarter of the year.
  • Business activity is picking up. Competition for competent employees is fierce.
  • Overall feel good with concern is lurking that the economy is reaching a very mature part of the cycle, squeezing margins from both sides
  • Recent here group meeting had level of pessimism I have not seen in years. Changing consumer habits from traditional retail to online ordering has many examining their business models