08.01.14
Ambiguity in the global energy markets is a drag on chemical activity, according to the American Chemistry Council. The Chemical Activity Barometer (CAB), a leading economic indicator created by the ACC, posted a 0.4% increase over June, as measured on a three-month moving average. The pace of growth was consistent with earlier growth logged in the second quarter, according to the ACC. Year over year growth now stands at a 4.4% increase.
Uncertainty in global energy markets kept the non-adjusted barometer at a slow 0.1% gain in June, but provisional data suggest there is room for further expansion in coming months.
After rebounding sharply in May, chemical equity prices have weakened in response to the growing unrest in the Middle East and Ukraine. According to CAB data, unlike earlier readings, trends in construction-related chemistries suggest a lackluster market for this sector, which includes plastic resins as well as adhesives and sealants, construction chemicals, paint additives, and other performance chemistries. Pigments are faring better, as are plastic resins used in consumer product applications.
Continued strength in electronic chemicals is encouraging, as the semiconductor industry’s early place in the supply chain makes it a bellwether of the industrial cycle. Gains in oilfield chemicals suggest that the boom in unconventional oil and gas will continue to progress, contributing to overall growth in the US.
Uncertainty in global energy markets kept the non-adjusted barometer at a slow 0.1% gain in June, but provisional data suggest there is room for further expansion in coming months.
After rebounding sharply in May, chemical equity prices have weakened in response to the growing unrest in the Middle East and Ukraine. According to CAB data, unlike earlier readings, trends in construction-related chemistries suggest a lackluster market for this sector, which includes plastic resins as well as adhesives and sealants, construction chemicals, paint additives, and other performance chemistries. Pigments are faring better, as are plastic resins used in consumer product applications.
Continued strength in electronic chemicals is encouraging, as the semiconductor industry’s early place in the supply chain makes it a bellwether of the industrial cycle. Gains in oilfield chemicals suggest that the boom in unconventional oil and gas will continue to progress, contributing to overall growth in the US.