It's Over (The Recession)

(Tempe, Arizona) -- Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in August, following 18 consecutive months of contraction, and the overall economy grew for the fourth consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. The report was issued today by Norbert J. Ore, chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

"The year-and-a-half decline in manufacturing output has come to an end, as 11 of 18 manufacturing industries are reporting growth when comparing August to July. While this is certainly a positive occurrence, we have to keep in mind that it is the beginning of a new cycle and that all industries are not yet participating in the growth. The August index of 52.9 percent is the highest since June 2007. The 4 percentage point increase was driven by significant strength in the New Orders Index, which is up 9.6 points to 64.9 percent, the highest since December 2004. The growth appears sustainable in the short term, as inventories have been reduced for 40 consecutive months and supply chains will have to re-stock to meet this new demand."

MP: The 17.1 point increase in the ISM Manufacturing Index from February t0 August is the strongest six-month gain in more than 25 years, since July 1983. The August gain in the ISM Index to a level above 50 provides another piece of evidence that the recession has ended.

Originally posted at Carpe Diem.