Industrial production declined 0.1% in May
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Implications:  Overall industrial production dipped 0.1% in May. Manufacturing, which excludes mining and utilities, fell 0.4%. Both figures came in slightly below consensus expectations. However, industrial production is still up 4.7% from a year ago, growing more than twice as fast as the overall economy. The data we watch most closely is manufacturing production ex-autos.  This figure fell 0.3% in May, but has risen in 9 of the last 11 months.  That's a very good track record, given that manufacturing ex-autos usually falls three or four times a year even during normal economic expansions. In other words, it is much too early to read anything significant into the slippage in production in May. Given low inventories, particularly in the auto sector, we don't expect any persistent stagnation. Although capacity utilization declined in May, it is still up substantially from a year ago. As a result, companies have an increasing incentive to build out plant and equipment. Meanwhile, corporate profits and cash on the balance sheet show they have the ability to make these investments. In other news today, the Empire State index, a measure of manufacturing activity in New York, fell to +2.3 from +17.1 in May. This suggests growth continued in June, but at a slower pace than in May. However, these kinds of surveys are also influenced by corporate sentiment rather than actual activity, and, given news out of Europe, we would not be surprised if this were having a negative effect.

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Posted on Friday, June 15, 2012 @ 11:24 AM

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.