Economics

Metalworking Index Holds Steady in June, Extending Expansion to Six Months

The GBI: Metalworking didn’t budge from May, but lengthening lead times and high material prices offset softer backlogs and production.

Mike Shirk
Senior Market Research Analyst, GROW Industrial Intelligence

No Slowing Down – Metalworking Index Continues Climb

Broad-based growth builds on early-year momentum to push GBI: Metalworking further into expansion in February.

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Metalworking Index Surges Into Expansion

January’s GBI: Metalworking results delivered an impressive start to 2026 with the strongest reading in over three years. 

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Metalworking Index Closes 2025 With a Slight Uptick

Eyeing a positive 2026, the GBI: Metalworking is primed for a push to expansion. 

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Metalworking Index Hits Seasonal Slump in November

Consistent with previous years, the GBI: Metalworking reported underperformance in November compared to October.

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Metalworking Index Steady Again in October

The GBI: Metalworking continues to hover just below the threshold for expansion.

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Metalworking Index Continues Steady Climb in September

The pace is slow, but the GBI: Metalworking is moving in the right direction for the third consecutive month.

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Metalworking Index Holds Expansion in May

Employment led all components, but climbing material costs reading temper an otherwise steady month.

Mike Shirk
Senior Market Research Analyst, GROW Industrial Intelligence

Metalworking Index Inches up to 49.0 in August

The GBI: Metalworking continues to hover just below expansion, but shops are cautiously optimistic.

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Metalworking Index Sees Little Change in July

The GBI: Metalworking remains stable at 48.3, with July in nearly the same position as June. 

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Metalworking Activity Sees Minor Drop in June

Positive results in employment trends and production are offset by supplier deliveries, among other components.

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Metalworking Index Rebounds in May but Short of Expansion

Activity picked up again after April’s stall reflecting tariff policy’s impact on manufacturing.

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After Brief Expansion, Metalworking Index Fell to 46 in April

Metalworking industry begins to feel the impact of tariff uncertainty as business activity slows.

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Metalworking Index Reaches Expansion for First Time in 2 Years

  After two years of contraction, the Metalworking Index has finally turned a corner. A recovery that started in October has reached a milestone, fueled by increased production and new orders, signaling cautious optimism for the industry.  

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Metalworking Growth Strengthens in April Despite Emerging Pressures

April’s rebound underscores strong activity, though supply bottlenecks and pricing pressures challenge the outlook.

Mike Shirk
Senior Market Research Analyst, GROW Industrial Intelligence

Metalworking Activity Continues to Improve in February

On the cusp of expansion, key index components reveal strengthening business conditions.

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Metalworking Index Continues Climb into 2025

Steady improvement is short of expansion but component readings and future outlook remain strong.

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Metalworking Index Shows Continued Recovery

December marks third consecutive month of metalworking improvement on the heels of increased supplier deliveries.

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Optimism Grows as Metalworking Index Improves Again in November

A sharp increase in future business expectations underscores hopeful conditions in 2025.

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Metalworking Contraction Slows Slightly in October

While still in a state of contraction, some indicators are improving in the metalworking market.

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Market Indicators Continue to Soften in Metalworking

The overall metalworking index is down more than a point, but future business is up slightly.

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Metalworking Index Continues Expansion Into March

Material prices are on the rise but overall conditions remain strong for metalworking.

Mike Shirk
Senior Market Research Analyst, GROW Industrial Intelligence

Metalworking Activity Stabilizes in July

July closed at 44.2, which interrupts what had been three months straight of accelerating contraction.

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Metalworking Activity Trends Down Again in June

The Metalworking Index closed at 44.3 in June, down 1.2 points relative to May, marking a 2024 low.

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Metalworking Activity Trends Downward in May

Accelerated contraction and declines in business optimism span manufacturing segments. Odds are that broad-reaching economic factors are at play.

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Metalworking Activity Trends Slightly Downward in April

The interruption after what had been three straight months of slowing contraction may indicate growing conservatism as interest rates and inflation fail to come down.

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Metalworking Activity Holds Steady in March

Overall metalworking activity leveled off in March, but not to a point of concern.

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Metalworking Activity is on a Roll, Relatively Speaking

February closed at 47.7, up 1.4 points relative to January, marking the third straight month of slowed contraction.

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