Modesty, Thy Name is the Recovery

Jan. 16, 2010

Take a look at the latest economic forecasts for U.S. manufacturing and the consensus seems to be - at least it's not getting any worse.

In our NAM/IndustryWeek Manufacturing Index for the fourth quarter of 2009, 48% of manufacturers said they expect the downturn to last into 2010. Further, 29% said it would last into the second half of the year and 23% expect it to last into 2011. Still, 60% of respondents said they have a positive business outlook.

The 189 manufacturers surveyed said they expect their sales to increase only 1.6% during the coming year. And they forecast that their captial investment expenditures will actually decline by 0.8%. As NAM Chief Economist Dave Huethner points out, capacity utilization rates below 70% and tight credit are putting a damper on spending plans.

About the Author

Steve Minter Blog

Executive Editor

Focus: Global Economy & International Trade

Email: [email protected]

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An award-winning editor, Executive Editor Steve Minter covers global economic and international trade issues, tackling subject matter ranging from manufacturing trends, public policy and regulations in developed and emerging markets to global regulation and currency exchange rates. As well, he supervises content production of all IW editorial products including the magazine, IndustryWeek.com, research and informationproducts, and executive conferences.

Before joining the IW staff, Steve was publisher and editorial director of Penton Media’s EHS Today, where he was instrumental in the development of the Champions of Safety and America’s Safest Companies recognition programs.

Steve received his B.A. in English from Oberlin College. He is married and has two children.