INDICATOR TURNS UP

摘要

The leading indicator for the chemical industry rose 1.1% in August, following two months of decline. Between May and July, the index dropped 4.2%, and the indicator is still well below its previous peak. The revival in the indicator, if sustained, should result in higher production levels. Overall industrial output fell 0.8% in May and 0.9% in June. Most components of the indicator posted gains in July, including the average chemical industry stock price. Industrial production in the chemical process industries has been expanding for two consecutive months: up 0.5% in June and a stronger 0.9% in July. All five industries in the composite—building materials, paper, petroleum refining, rubber and plastics products, and nonferrous metals—have exhibited solid growth in the past two months.