The IHS Markit PMI readings released earlier today showed an easing of the economic downturn, with all readings at the highest point seen since the pandemic began in the US. The composite PMI came in at 46.8 in June vs. 37.0 in May. All PMI readings remained in contraction below 50.0, although all of them showed improvement.
Key Takeaways
- The composite output index rose from 37.0 to 46.8 in June, a four-month high.
- Business activity, manufacturing, and manufacturing output all saw four-month highs.
- The manufacturing PMI rose from 39.8 to 49.6, almost beyond negative territory.
Manufacturing led the gains in the latest PMI readings, rising almost 10 points to 49.6. Services and business activity rose from 37.5 to 46.7, while manufacturing output rose from 34.4 to 47.8. The reopening of the US economy has alleviated some of the downward pressure felt as a result of the pandemic. The pace of decline eased among goods producing companies and service providers, although the US is still in a serious recession.
The IHS Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI stabilized for the second consecutive month in June, bouncing back from the fastest rate of decline in April since March 2009. The headline index has increased from 36.1 in April to 39.8 in May to 49.6 in June. pic.twitter.com/VWUxeG01wO
— Chad Moutray (@chadmoutray) June 23, 2020
New business across the private sector continued to decline slightly in June, and the private sector cut its workforce over the course of the month. Private sector firms reported the first increases in prices and output costs since February. Outlook reached a four-month high in the private sector, and June saw some firms no longer relying on discounted services.
Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, said “the flash PMI data showed the US economic downturn abating markedly in June," said "The second quarter started with an alarming rate of collapse but output and jobs are now falling at far more modest rates in both the manufacturing and service sectors."
Market Reaction
Gold prices have risen in today’s session. Spot gold last traded at $1,767.53/oz, up 0.68% with a high of $1,768.26/oz and a low of $1,748.50/oz. Gold has remained near daily highs despite the upbeat PMI report. Home prices rose more than expected in June according to the latest report released earlier today. Spot gold prices are likely still reacting to the uncertain economic climate, with a disconnect emerging between the stock market and the health of the economy itself.
Gold Price Chart
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