The Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) is a monthly survey of North American fastener distributors conducted by the FCH Sourcing Network and Baird, with support from the National Fastener Distributors Association. It offers insights into current fastener industry trends/outlooks.
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 9/9/22 Key Takeaway: The August seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) bounced back nicely from last month’s sub-50 reading, increasing back into expansionary territory at 52.6. This was consistent with a still very positive FLI reading last month. Demand commentary seemed to […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 7/7/22 Key Takeaway: The June seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) reading is 53.8, improved vs. last month, indicating slightly faster growth than May. The pricing indices moderated some (albeit remaining at elevated levels) as respondents noted softening commodity prices and some […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 6/7/22 Key Takeaway: The May seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) was essentially unchanged vs. last month, remaining in modest growth territory at 52.7. Container/import logistics constraints and slowing growth were consistent themes among respondents. The pricing indices were also stable but […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 5/6/22 Key Takeaway: The April seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) dipped to 52.6, lower m/m, primarily on softer selling conditions. The overwhelming theme among participants commentary and across the various components of the FDI was growth but slowing growth amid material […]
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 4/6/22 Key Takeaway: The March seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) saw a modest m/m improvement at 57.2 on better sales and employment levels. Despite a slightly weaker reading in the supplier deliveries index amid some manufacturing plant shutdowns in Asia and continued […]
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 3/7/22 Key Takeaway: The February Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) recovered nicely m/m, rebounding to 56.0, following January’s seasonal-adjustment driven down-tick. The recovery was broadly consistent with recovery seen in the ISM PMI and other macroeconomic data points as pandemic-related disruption eased. Respondent commentary […]
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 2/7/22 Key Takeaway: The January seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) was slightly softer m/m at 52.7, although modest underlying improvement was seen in most metrics; the seasonal adjustment factor downwardly impacted results as January is normally the strongest month of the year […]
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 12/5/21 Key Takeaway: The November seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) of 57.6 saw slight improvement, driven primarily by better seasonally adjusted selling momentum. The Forward-Looking Indicator (FLI) continued down the path of gradual moderation that the index has been on for the […]
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 11/5/21 Key Takeaway: The October seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) improved m/m, rising to 56.1, despite continued supply chain disruption, reflecting slightly better selling momentum and employment levels. Commentary remains focused on very elevated freight costs, shipping congestion, and raw material/semi- conductor […]
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 10/7/21 Key Takeaway: The September seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) retreated for a second consecutive month as supply chain constraints continued to wreak havoc, although the index remained in expansionary/growth territory at 54.2. Commentary continues to point to solid demand and results […]