ISA Quarterly Economic Report shows mixed results

The ISA Quarterly Economic Report for the fourth quarter of 2005 indicates positive conditions for manufacturer and distributor members of the Industrial Supply Association.

The ISA-Manufacturers (ISA-M) index increased from 56.11 percent to 60.25 percent, while the ISA-Distributors (ISA-D) index decreased from 57.80 percent to 54.30 percent. However, since both indexes were above 50 percent, it indicates that the future for both groups is positive and expanding.

There may be room for even more optimism in the months ahead. The report’s author predicts that the ISA-M and ISA-D indexes may both reach 60 percent or higher in February and March 2006. The report also includes the Top 10 economic predictions for 2006 from Nariman Behravesh, chief economist of Global Insight.

The report is prepared for ISA by the Thomas and Joan Read Center for Distribution Research and Education at Texas A&M University.

Click here to download the full ISA Quarterly Economic Report.