This is the lowest Index value for the manufacturing sector since January 1995. Trends in Humboldt County manufacturing appear to mirror national manufacturing activity. Activity in this sector declined across the country in the month of December. The decline of 1.1 percent is the largest single month decline since 1991. As reported in the employment section above, job losses for the month were strongest in the manufacturing sector.
Most economists agree that the manufacturing sector is in the midst of a recession.
The Home Sales sector of this month's Index showed mixed performance. The sector decreased 13.03 percent over the previous month. During the month of December 99 units were sold, down by 17 over the previous month. Existing home sales across the country were lower than expected for the month of December. While declines were experienced in all regions, the smallest declines occurred in the western United States.