(1888PressRelease)
March 02, 2010 - Mixed reports Monday on manufacturing, construction and personal income and spending made clear that the economy is enjoying modest growth even though the recovery remains fragile.
Manufacturing output expanded in February for a seventh straight month. Factory output has provided one of the few areas of strength for the economy. Still, the growth in manufacturing activity slowed compared with January and fell short of economists' expectations.
In addition, construction spending fell for a third straight month in January. And though personal spending rose slightly more than expected, Americans' incomes scarcely budged. In part, that was because Social Security recipients didn't get their usual cost-of-living boost.
The weak income growth could depress spending in the months ahead and drag on the economy's rebound.
The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said its manufacturing index read 56.5 last month. That was slower than the 58.4 reading in January. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.
The ISM said its employment measure grew for the fourth time in five months, accelerating to 56.1 in February from 53.3 in January. February's number is the highest since January 2005. Gauges of production and new orders fell, indicating slower growth ahead.
Economists cautioned that manufacturers have been ramping up production for businesses that had let their stockpiles shrink to save money. If consumer spending remains tepid, manufacturing activity -- and its contribution to the economy -- will decline.
"The bulk of the upturn in manufacturing output is probably behind us," said Markus Fairweather, Senior Strategist at Lombard Omega Inc in Seattle.
"Strong productivity gains mean there's been only slight hiring despite the ramp-up in production. The manufacturing sector added 11,000 jobs in January," Fairweather said, "the first jobs gain since January 2007.""
Lombard Omega, Inc. is a Seattle based middle market Boutique Investment Banking and Advisory Firm offering specialized advice and services to both Private and Public companies.
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Lombard Omega, Inc's., team of senior investment bankers have extensive experience and a track record of servicing the need of middle market companies. Lombard Omega, Inc's., philosophy is to work closely with promoters of companies to create customized and innovative solutions.
We, at Lombard Omega, Inc., do not believe in closing a deal for our clients but to start and maintain a life long relationship with them. So the closing of a deal is just a starting point for us. Lombard Omega, Inc. has a wide network of associates and institutional/corporate contacts globally including the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.
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