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 4/7/21 Key Takeaway: The March seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) was essentially stable m/m at 66.0, implying conditions remained at the strong pace seen in February. The sales index remained at very high levels as respondents continue to report more demand […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 3/4/21 Key Takeaway: The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) for February saw strong m/m improvement with a reading of 66.1. The sales index surged as two-thirds of respondents saw sales that were above seasonal expectations in a normally seasonally softer month. […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 2/4/21 Key Takeaway: The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) for January came in at 57.7, moderating slightly from last month’s very strong December reading but still showing nice growth (well above a neutral 50 reading). The sales index saw sustained strength […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 1/8/21 Key Takeaway: The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) for December came in at 62.6, showing nice m/m improvement and signaling a strong end to the year. The sales index saw similar strength with about two thirds of respondents seeing better-than-seasonally […]
The huge congestion in overseas freight is primarily attributed to peak season congestion and a container shortage and isresulting in rate hikes along with surcharges, as well as delays and all the accompanying cascading issues. The surcharges vary per carrier, but are generally anywhere from $200 to $500 per container charge. It is recommended that […]
It’s no surprise that the Emerald Exposition’s IFE Annual Expo and Hall of Fame for the Fastener Industry, typically held in Las Vegas, was held virtually this year. Using an AI-powered platform, Meet & Match, the organizers offered several live, digital conference sessions, more than 50 exhibitors with virtual booths, and a host of product displays. […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 12/3/20 Key Takeaway: The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) for November was 54.5, moderating slightly from last month but remaining in growth range. The sales index, however, showed some modest improvement m/m as sales were slightly above normal expectations for the […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 11/6/20 Key Takeaway: The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) for October was 56.5, improving for the second consecutive month. Nearly all components of the FDI showed m/m improvement. Looking forward, the Forward-Looking Indicator (FLI) also showed nice improvement, reaching the highest […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 10/4/20 Key Takeaway: The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) for September was 52.0, returning to growth after last month’s slight contractionary reading (49.2). An improvement in the sales and employment indexes drove the m/m improvement. Looking forward, the Forward-Looking Indicator (FLI) […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 9/4/20 Key Takeaway: The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) for August was 49.2, implying relatively stable momentum with July (near a neutral 50 reading). Looking at the drivers of the overall m/m moderation in the FDI, a decrease in the sales […]