Missouri’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 61.6 in April, reaching its highest level since May of 2000 and remaining above 50 for the third consecutive month. A score above 50 is considered a sign of an expansionary economy. A score below 50 forecasts a sluggish economy for the next three to six months. The Index is part of a monthly survey measuring such factors as new orders, production, supplier delivery times, backlogs, inventories, prices, employment, import orders, and exports. Economic Development Director Joe Driskill says strong new orders, production, employment, and inventories contributed to the state’s good score. Nationally, the PMI decreased slightly to 53.9 in April, down from 55.6 in March.
