Metalworking Forecasting Tools
Tools Aerospace Computers & Electronics Construction Machinery Engines, Turbines, & Power
Farm Equipment Machinery Medical Motor Vehciles & Parts Oil Durable Goods
Medical
Text Box: The medical industry is no different than any other. So, consumer spending on medical care is a leading indicator of medical equipment industrial production. What's most important to note on this chart is the spending on medical care has not contracted in the last 40 years and industrial production on medical equipment has rarely contracted. This makes the medical industry a real growth market for the metalworking industry. On average changes in consumer spending on medical care lead change in medical equipment industrial production by seven months.

Current Comment - Growth in medical care spending has bottomed out and is accelerating. This should keep medical equipment industrial production in an accelerating growth mode.
Sources
Consumer Spending
Industrial Production
For more information contact Steve Kline, Jr., financial analyst.
513-527-8800
skline2@gardnerweb.com
Links to other Financial Data from Gardner Publications, Inc.
2008 Capital Spending Survey and Forecast Results
Metalworking Business Index
2008 Capital Spending Survey and Forecast Demographic Reports 
Current and past surveys conducted by Gardner Research
Gardner Publications, Inc. publishes the following magazines:
Modern Machine Shop
Production Machining
Moldmaking Technology
Automotive Design & Production