Recuperating almost completely from a 6.57 point loss, the ID Index is back up 5.18 points this week. Six companies climbed more than a dollar this week, and six moved in the opposite direction as well.
One disclaimer: Please consider that market values may have changed slightly since the close of business on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012.
A week ago, the ID Index came in at 758.28 after a loss of 6.57 points on the week. As of Wednesday, February 29, 2012, the index is back up 5.18 of those 6.57 points for a total of 763.46.
For more than a month now W.W. Grainger (GWW) has topped the chart, leveling out at 208.01 and regaining half of what it lost last week. Houston Wire & Cable Company (HWCC) remains the lowest valued stock in the index after losing .18 points on the week, coming in at 14.29 points. In comparison, Ford Motor Company was trading at 12.48, Panasonic at 9.26, and Nokia at 5.31, with Panasonic continuing to rise, Ford picking up a few points on the week, and Nokia experiencing a slight dip.
This week’s biggest loss comes from WESCO, dropping 2.18 points to a total of 63.03. The largest gain: Granger again, edging out Fastenal’s gain by .20 this week.
Gas continues to rise, a topic at which I groan audibly having traded in my ageing Honda sedan two weeks ago for a compact SUV. Hint: there is nothing compact about that gas tank.
Other economic data worth noting:
- $1 = 0.75 Euros, remaining unchanged for two weeks now
- A gallon of regular gas is averaging $3.73 in the U.S., compared with $3.38 a year ago & $3.44 only a month ago.
- Crude oil is currently trading at $109.59, versus $106.28/barrel last week and up 14.4% from a year ago.
- Natural gas is currently at $2.46/BTU.
- Gold is at $1722.20/Troy ounce.
- Copper is at $3.93/pound.
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.