May 2014 Manufacturing ISM Report On Business - PMI At 55.4%

The May PMI registered 55.4 percent, an increase of 0.5 percentage point from April's reading of 54.9 percent, indicating expansion in manufacturing for the 12th consecutive month.  The New Orders Index registered 56.9 percent, an increase of 1.8 percentage points from the 55.1 percent reading in April, indicating growth in new orders for the 12th consecutive month.  The Production Index registered 61.0 percent, 5.3 percentage points above the April reading of 55.7 percent.  Employment grew for the 11th consecutive month, registering 52.8 percent, a decrease of 1.9 percentage points below April's reading of 54.7 percent.  The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 53.2 percent, 2.7 percentage points below the April reading of 55.9 percent.  Comments from the panel reflect generally steady growth, but note some areas of concern regarding raw materials pricing and supply tightness and shortages.

Source: Institute for Supply Management