“Despite the uncertainty being fueled by political gridlock in Washington, the fundamentals of our economy appear to be healthy,” said Kevin Swift, Ph.D., chief economist for the ACC. “This month’s Chemical Activity Barometer is up 0.3%, and this follows upticks in August and September as well.”
Though some recent reports have hinted at a slowing of consumer spending, these are likely related to news coming out of Washington, according to Swift. “Production of plastic resins used in consumer applications appears actually to be strengthening, suggesting further gains driven by consumers. This bodes well for retailers as the important holiday shopping season approaches,” he said.
Other notable benchmarks within the barometer also reportedly held strong. Chemical equities continued to outpace the overall market, as measured by the S&P 500, and inventories and new orders expanded, likely restored by a return of business confidence following the end of the government shutdown.
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