CHICAGO—The fourth quarter 2018 Sales History & Outlook Report released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association shows an increase in the average PTDA distributor's index for the last period of 2018.
The index was reported 5.4 percent higher compared to 2017, according to a PTDA news release. The manufacturers' index annual average was up 7.3 percent year over year in December. Indicators suggest that the index annual average will decline mildly in 2019, according to the report.
The 4Q2018 PTDA business index moved downward to 57.9, compared to the third quarter reading of 63.1, but remained above ISM's U.S. purchasing managers' index of 56.6, according to the report. The overall trend shows slowing growth ahead for member sales.
The PTDA Business Index is modeled after the PMI and tracks change in business activity, new orders, employment, supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and backlog in the power transmission/motion control industry. The entire 4Q2018 PTDA Business Index report is available through PTDA's website at ptda.org/index.
PTDA members participating in SHOR receive the results and forecasts through 2020 at no charge after the close of the calendar quarter. The report can be purchased at ptda.org/SHOR at $995 for members and $1,995 for non-members.