Gardner Intelligence

Senior Market Research Analyst, GROW Industrial Intelligence The Gardner Business Index (GBI) measures the current state of durable goods manufacturing activity through survey responses covering new orders, production, backlog, employment, exports and supplier deliveries. A reading above 50 indicates expansion; below 50 indicates contraction. The Gardner Business Index posted a sixth consecutive month of expansion with a reading of 55.5 in June.

Senior Market Research Analyst, Gardner Intelligence The GBI showed improvement again this month rising to 49.2. This was a .7 point increase from last month. This is the third consecutive month of gains. Three month averages for components showed improvement from last month with the exception of employment and backlog. All components are performing better than in October 2024. Average spending intentions have once again continued downward as seen since December 2024.

Senior Market Research Analyst, Gardner Intelligence The GBI edged down slightly in September to 48.5, following a 48.9 reading in August. Over the past four months, the index has remained relatively stable, hovering between 48 and 49. Supplier deliveries, production, and backlog all improved in September, and every component except exports is performing better than in September 2024. Average spending intentions have continued to decline, extending the downward trend observed since December 2024.

Senior Market Research Analyst, Gardner Intelligence In August, the index rose by 0.6 points to 48.9. Three-month averages for production, employment, and exports ticked up slightly from July, signaling a modest positive trend for shops. Meanwhile, new orders and backlog held steady. Compared to August of last year, three-month averages improved across all components except exports. Shops remain cautious with capital expenditures, holding off on major investments.

Senior Market Research Analyst, Gardner Intelligence The GBI Index edged down slightly in June, falling 0.5 points to 48.3. This marks the third consecutive month of contraction, though the index remains significantly higher than its level one year ago. Key contributors to the decline included faster supplier delivery times as well as declines in backlogs. A positive trajectory for employment continues, which rose by one point.

Senior Market Research Analyst, Gardner Intelligence May saw a return to some stability with a reading of 48.8. This increase wasn’t enough to push the Index back into expansion, but it shows some positive movement after a steep drop in April. Employment and supplier deliveries were the only components to show improvement. The Future Business Index remains optimistic, with stronger results in May helping to offset recent declines in the 12-month outlook.

Senior Market Research Analyst, Gardner Intelligence Tariff-related uncertainty impacted the entire manufacturing sector in April. The GBI Index fell to 46.2, marking a return to contraction after two months of modest expansion and bringing an end to a six-month upward trend. New orders and exports declined by more than two points, while employment and supplier deliveries showed slight improvements.

Senior Market Research Analyst, Gardner Intelligence The March Gardner Business Index (GBI) barely dipped this month and stays in expansion territory after having endured over two years of contraction. New orders and production saw significant gains, while other index components saw slight improvements. All components saw growth over the previous month with the exception of employment which remained unchanged.

Senior Market Research Analyst, Gardner Intelligence The February Gardner Business Index (GBI) rose again this month and finally surpassing the expansion mark landing at 50.3. This is the first time since August of 2022 that the index was over 50. These components saw a significant gains from last month: New Orders gained 4.7 points Production gained almost 3 points Backlog is up 3 points Employment was slightly higher while exports remained the same.