US Sales Managers May Survey Reflects Widespread Worry About Economic Direction


 
The US Sales Managers Survey results for May continue to reflect the chaos produced by the huge and erratic economic policy changes seen over the past few months. The exuberance that followed last years Trump election win has now vanished. Sales Managers responses reflect serious worries about the impact of the seemingly incoherent management of the US economy. Business Confidence has plummeted from an index reading of 54.1 in November to a "no change" Index reading of 50 in May. This represents a slight recovery on the ultra low figure seen in April, but still reflects a collapse in confidence from the post election euphoria. The Sales Growth Index has recovered slightly from its giant fall in April but remains an extremely uncomfortable 5.5 Index points below the November 2024 reading. The Market Growth Index continues its long decline, now at a 16 month low point.



The only index that seen a continuing high reading is the Price Index, still at an elevated level of 54.4, and still bearing the unwelcome news that Price inflation is once again seen as a problem. In summary, there is little doubt that the continuous stream of edicts pouring out of the US President's office are causing uncertainty in the business community on a scale never before seen outside wartime. Unless the uncertainty diminishes, a recession in economic activity is likely to result.

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