Economy

Key indicators for manufacturing were not available for December due to the government shutdown, but those that were point to continued growth at a slower pace in 2019.

December 2018 booked orders up 27.3% when compared to November 2018 booked orders.

Research by Tractica highlights mobile robot platforms, shuttle AS/RS, industrial robotic manipulators and gantry robots as drivers of market growth.

PMI increases 2.3% to 56.3 following a 5.2% decline in December. The index has now grown for 29 consecutive months, with the overall economy now having grown for 117 consecutive months.

Businesses large and small are pursuing automation to combat the skills gap and make the most of current employees.

ELFA forecasts generally positive economy and solid capital investment with building headwinds and moderated growth by year end.

ELFA president noted demand, abundant funding in the credit markets and quality portfolios as contributors to a healthy equipment finance sector in 2018.

Reported by key executives from the $1 trillion equipment finance sector, confidence in the equipment finance market eased to 53.4 from the December index of 55.5.

November 2018 booked orders decreased 14.7% when compared to November 2017 orders.

The United States industrial real estate sector has been thriving in recent years, but report suggests 2019 could be a year in which the sector presses the pause button.

In a healthy but fiercely competitive landscape, technology continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing digital transformation of supply chains big and small.

November’s 1,005,001 shipments represented a 1.8% annual gain, with 2018 shipments through November, at 11,288,944, are up 6.1% annually. Panjiva said this tally also includes containerized shipments, which saw a 3.7% annual increase.

Automotive (52%) and non-automotive (48%) segments are closer than ever in the history of RIA’s reports dating back to 1984.

With 1,144,033 shipments, October was up 11.9% annually, which Panjiva said marks the fastest rate of growth for monthly shipments going back to March 2014.

The PMI fell 2.1% to 57.7, showing growth for the 26th consecutive month and the overall economy now having grown for 114 consecutive months.