The December seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) was 56.2 and “moderately decelerated” when compared with November, according to the latest analysis from Baird, FCH Sourcing Network and the Institute for Supply Management

The deceleration was driven primarily by a lower employment index, according to the analysis.

The FDI was 57.6 in November.

Market conditions overall were mildly softer in December, as labor markets and supply chain challenges combined to “make it tougher for respondents to meet demand, which continues to remain strong,” the analysis states.

“Respondents’ top concerns continue to be 1) supply chain, and 2) inflationary cost pressures,” the analysis states. “Said one respondent, ‘Still uncertainty as to production in the industry. Supply chain delays and now Covid exposures are causing more production delays.’”