Michael Guckes Former Chief Economist & Director of Analytics

Michael has been in the economics and industrial space for 20 years. During the last 5 years he has been with Gardner Intelligence managing and reporting the Gardner Business Index. He has extensive experience in forecasting and modeling using advanced statistical techniques. He has successfully applied his expertise at multi-billion dollar companies in the construction, banking and insurance fields. Michael received his BA in Economics and Political Science from Kenyon College and his MBA from The Ohio State University. PRESS KIT

Economics

Composites industry begins 2022 with a burst of activity

January’s business activity readings remain robust in the face of a reduced labor supply and struggling supply chains.

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Economics

Composites Index ends volatile 2021 better off than where it started

The Composites Fabricating Index gives an overarching outlook on the 2021 calendar year and how readings compare to 2020.

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Economics

Easing supply chain constraints may open production flow

Inflated supplier delivery readings have made a significant decline in November, pointing to a slow, if not steady, improvement in the supply chain.

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Economics

Broad-based industry expansion limited by supply chain conditions

October’s readings reflect significant expansion in export orders, new orders, production, employment activity, backlogs and prices received, with a widening “production deficit.”

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Economics

Contracting employment and production activity weigh on composites fabricators

Weak employment activity indicated by September readings compounds production supply chain woes.

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Economics

Data signal a pivotal moment for composites industry

Mixed signals from the Composites Fabricating Index suggest that supply chain problems are holding back the industry from greater expansion.

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Economics

Slowing industry expansion led by decline of new orders

A slowing July expansion is reflected by new orders, production and backlog readings, the latter of which experienced a 15-point decline, one of the largest single-month declines in recorded history.

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Economics

Composites Index sets two all-time highs in three months

Supported by strong business conditions and struggling supply chains, the June Composites Index set a new high reading.

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Economics

Composites Index sustains a third month in record territory

Accelerating new orders, backlogs and challenging supply chains propel the index higher for the month of May. 

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Economics

Composites index moderates lower after all-time high

Composite fabricators report slowing expansion in new orders, production, with gains made in supplier delivery and employment activity readings.

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Economics

Composites Index jumps five points to an all-time high

Volatile March survey finds troubled supply chains and strong demand.

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Economics

Slow supply chains and strong demand elevate material prices

The Composites Fabricating Index set a new multi-year high for the month of February. Fabricators should expect material prices to remain highly volatile the longer that supply chains remain disrupted.

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