US ISM manufacturing fell in contraction in September last year, joining the rest of major countries as the trade war hurt that sector last year. But, it just missed recession after coming back to surface in January. But we knew it wouldn’t last when koronavirus spread in Europe and the US.

Expectations were for a big decline in this indicator, to 45 points, from 50.1 in February. But, the situation wasn’t too bad, especially not as bad as expected. The ADP non-farm employment change wasn’t too bad either. But, they should deteriorate further next month, since the US economy had shut down as it has now. Below are both reports:

US March Manufacturing PMI Report

• March final Markit manufacturing PMI 49.1 vs 45.0 expected
• The prelim reading stood at 49.2 points
• February stood at 50.7

US ADP-Non Farm Employment Change Report

• US March ADP employment change -27K vs -150K expected
• Lowest level since Sept 2017
• February was +183K (revised to +179K)
• Estimates ranged from +95K to -450K
• Goods producing jobs at -9K
• Service providing jobs at -18K
• Small business jobs at  -90K
• Report used data through March 12