This week, the ID Index gains a new member, MRC Global Inc, but suffers an overall loss. There were only marginal gains for a few gains in the two weeks since the last ID Index on April 9th, and losses for others that sunk the overall playing field.
Last week we also introduced a Manufacturing Index, compiling a list of ten major manufacturers and how their stock is performing, as a reference for you. Last week a reader suggested we add Lear Corporation, a large OEM manufacturer, and Illinois Tool Works, Inc. You’ll see them both added to the index today and in the coming months. Is there a publicly traded manufacturer that you would like to see listed? Let me know at [email protected].
One disclaimer: Please consider that market values may have changed slightly since the close of business on Friday, April 20, 2012.
A week ago, the ID Index came in at 777.03 after losing 12.93 points on the week. As of Friday, April 20th, the index is back down again a total of 4.95 points for a value of 772.08. However, today we add MRC Global’s value of 20.52 to our ranks, to bring the ID Index total overall to 792.60. Going forth, they will be included in our weekly gains and losses.
W.W. Grainger (GWW) continues its lead of the index at 218.99 points, gaining an impressive 4.74 points on the week. Houston Wire & Cable Company (HWCC) remains the lowest valued stock in the index coming in at 11.82 points after a loss of 1.29 on the week.
This week’s biggest loss comes from Fastenal (FAST), down 4.78 points and zeroing out Grainger’s gain for the Index as a whole.
Other economic data worth noting:
- $1 = 0.76 Euros, hovering consistently now between .75 and .77 for a while now.
- A gallon of regular gas is averaging $3.85 in the U.S., compared with$3.90 a week ago, and $3.86 a year ago.
- Crude oil is currently trading at $102.85, versus $101.41/barrel last week.
- Natural gas is currently at $1.93/BTU, down .16 since last week.
- Gold is at $1626.90/Troy ounce, down $22.00 in two weeks, after a loss of 30.00 the week before.
- Copper is at $3.61/pound, down .11 on the week.
Manufacturing Index
Manufacturer | Last Week | This Week |
3M (MMM) | 86.24 | 86.52 |
United Technologies (UTX) | 80.82 | 80.10 |
General Electric (GE) | 19.10 | 19.06 |
Boeing (BA) | 72.63 | 72.39 |
Dow Industrial (DIA) | 128.93 | 128.70 |
Deere & Co. (DE) | 80.26 | 79.85 |
General Motors (GM) | 24.22 | 23.17 |
Ford Motor Company (F) | 12.26 | 11.15 |
Caterpillar (CAT) | 103.57 | 106.33 |
Dow Chemical (DOW) | 32.82 | 34.61 |
Lear Corporation (LEA) | x | 42.39 |
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) | x | 55.13 |
The ID Index is comprised of your publicly-traded peer companies that we can track in offering some insight on the comparative health of industrial distribution. All of these companies are found in our Big 50, with their rankings ranging from #3 to #32. Each week we’ll offer a look at how the index performed collectively, as well as individually. Additional, pertinent economic data will also be included from time to time.
