The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) for December was 62.6, up from 54.5 in November, according to the latest analysis from Baird, FCH Sourcing Network and the Institute for Supply Management.

The Forward-Looking Indicator (FLI) also improved, to 65.7 from 63.2. According to the report, the FLI “implies additional expansionary readings in the months ahead, in our view.”