According to the Federal Reserve, industrial production rose 0.4% in February and March 2024, following a 0.8% decline in January. However, the overall performance for the first quarter showed a decline at an annual rate of 1.8%. The manufacturing index from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) indicated expansion in March, but the average for the quarter remained below 50%. Despite late-quarter growth in new orders, the Industrial Products sector is expected to report a 1.6% decline in top-line revenue for Q1 due to weak demand earlier in the quarter. The sector continues to face challenges from high inflation, raw material availability, and labor and trucking shortages. While supply chain improvements have been noted, companies are implementing cost-control measures and pursuing pricing actions to mitigate these challenges. Earnings for the first quarter are projected to decline 3.8% year over year. Some major industrial stocks, including Caterpillar (CAT), W.W. Grainger (GWW), Dover Corporation (DOV), Ball Corporation (BALL), and Avery Dennison (AVY), are expected to release their earnings during the week and will significantly impact market sentiment.
