August 1, 2007

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in July for the sixth consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 69th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.
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Following a strong second quarter, the manufacturing sector moderated somewhat in the past month. In July, manufacturing expanded at its slowest pace in the last four months, but continuing strength in New Orders and Production indicate that third quarter performance should still be quite good, ISM reported. Upward pricing pressures now in their seventh month continue to be a major concern for supply managers.
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The 10 industries reporting growth in July & mdash; listed in order & mdash; are: Wood Products; Furniture …

New Orders
New orders for manufactured durable goods in June increased $3.0 billion or 1.4% to $217.1 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced. This was the fourth increase in the last five months and followed a 2.3% May decrease. Excluding transportation, new orders decreased 0.5%. Excluding defense, new orders increased 1.9%.
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Shipments
Shipments of manufactured durable goods in June, down following three consecutive monthly increases, decreased $2.3 billion or 1.1% to $212.5 billion. This followed a 0.6% May increase.
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Unfilled Orders
Unfilled orders for manufactured durable goods in June, up 25 of the last 26 months, increased $10.7 billion or 1.5% to $736.5 billion. This was at the highest level since the series was first …

Source: Statistics Canada
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Following April’s sharp decline, Canadian wholesale sales posted a modest rebound in May with most sectors registering gains.

Overall sales rose&nbsp ; 0.6% to&nbsp ; $43.1&nbsp ; billion in May, offsetting some of April’s large drop (-3.0%). Five of the seven wholesale sectors reported higher sales in May, with the largest gains observed in the machinery and electronic equipment (+2.1%) and other products” (+1.9%) sectors. More modest rises were recorded by wholesalers of building materials, personal and household goods and automotive products.

These gains were partially offset by lower sales in the food, beverages and tobacco products sector, which posted its first decline of&nbsp ; 2007, and the farm products …