02/11/2014

FPDA Members Report Accelerated Sales Growth in December

The January Economic Indicators survey had 45 respondents comprised of 33 distributors and 12 manufacturing firms.  Here are some highlights for you:

• The December FPDA Index returned to growth with a solid reading of 56.1, up meaningfully from November’s reading of 44.5. The broader ISM index showed a reading of 57.0 in December, in line with November’s reading of 57.3.
• Monthly fluid power industry survey indicates sales growth accelerated in December to up 5% y/y following 1% y/y growth in November with the acceleration driven by better economic sentiment.
• Industry sources raised the 2014 outlook by 100bp and now forecast 5-6% growth following flat sales trends reported in 2013. Higher backlogs and better order trends support the current 2014 outlook.

We hope you find this information of value to you and your company.  If you do not participate, please do so when you receive the survey link each month.  This is a free service provided by Cleveland Research for FPDA members.  Check out end market trends and more in this monthly report.  To view the full report, click here.