Moldmaking Index Reports A Sharp Acceleration in Contracting Business Activity

The Gardner Business Index (GBI): Moldmaking reported a sharp acceleration in contracting business activity as the Index fell over three points to 44.9. Index readings above 50 indicate expanding activity while values below 50 indicate contracting activity. The further away a reading is from 50, the greater the magnitude of change in business activity. The latest reading came as a result of both new orders and production transitioning from expanding in October to contracting in November. All components of the Index contracted in the latest period. The Index, calculated as an average of six components, was pulled lower chiefly by the month’s strong contraction in production and backlogs.

November’s production activity reading fell 10 points from October’s — the fifth lowest reading in recorded history — and set a four-year low. The loss of support from both production and new orders activity saw the Index abruptly contract. November’s contracting activity readings for employment, supplier deliveries and exports were in line with readings from recent months.