The HSBC Manufacturing PMI is a leading indicator of economic health, focusing specifically on the industrial sector. It provides an early look at manufacturing trends by monitoring new orders, output, employment, supplier delivery times, and stocks of purchases. Because the manufacturing sector is highly sensitive to changes in the business cycle, this index is a key tool for forecasting economic turning points. A reading above 50 represents an expansion in manufacturing activity.
The index is a composite based on five individual indices with the following weights: New Orders (30%), Output (25%), Employment (20%), Suppliers' Delivery Times (15%), and Stock of Items Purchased (10%).
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2015 | 49.30 | — | — |
| May 4, 2015 | 49.20 | — | — |
| Apr 1, 2015 | 51.00 | — | — |
| Mar 2, 2015 | 52.10 | — | — |
| Feb 2, 2015 | 51.70 | — | — |
| Jan 5, 2015 | 50.00 | — | — |
| Dec 1, 2014 | 51.40 | — | — |
| Nov 3, 2014 | 52.00 | — | — |
| Oct 1, 2014 | 53.30 | — | — |
| Sep 1, 2014 | 56.10 | — | — |
