FASTENER DISTRIBUTOR INDEX (FDI) | April 2022

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Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) survey for April, 2022.

The FDI softened last month coming in at 52.6 versus the March reading of 57.2, seasonally adjusted. Also moderating, the Forward Looking Indicator (FLI) dipped to 55.1 after jumping to 65.4 the previous month. While optimism did cool, the marker remains strong and marks the 23rd consecutive month of positive (+50.0) outlook.

Key Takeaway:

The April seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) dipped to 52.6, lower m/m, primarily on softer selling conditions. The overwhelming theme among participants commentary and across the various components of the FDI was growth but slowing growth amid material shortages, spring break, and reduced “panic buying.” Pricing continues to be on the rise, particularly in stainless steel in the wake of Russia/Ukraine. The Forward-Looking Indicator (FLI) also declined m/m to 55.1 on a less optimistic six month outlook. Net, we believe growth and overall market conditions were still strong in April but clearly moderated relative to March.

READ THE FULL MARCH 2022 REPORT:

FDI_Report_April_2022

We encourage all North American fastener distributors to take part in the FDI. If you are interested in being a more active part of the fastener industry, you can apply to add your company to the FDI survey group. Complete the “Request an Invitation to Participate” form by clicking here. Once verified, you will receive login ID and password information and you will be notified by email every month when the survey period has been opened. – Fastener News Desk

About the Fastener Distributor Index (FDI).

The Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) was developed as a service to the fastener industry by the FCH Sourcing Network in 2012 to be a new benchmark for the fastener industry.

The FDI is a monthly survey of North American fastener distributors, conducted with the FCH Sourcing Network and Baird with support from the National Fastener Distributors Association. It offers insights into current fastener industry trends/outlooks. Similarly, the Forward-Looking Indicator (FLI) is based on a weighted average of four forward-looking inputs from the FDI survey. This indicator is designed to provide directional perspective on future expectations for fastener market conditions. As diffusion indexes, values above 50.0 signal strength, while readings below 50.0 signal weakness. Over time, results should be directly relevant to Fastenal (FAST) and broadly relevant to other industrial distributors such as W.W. Grainger (GWW) and MSC Industrial (MSM).

The FDI Survey website is a resource than can be accessed by anyone, but it can only be updated by registered users during the monthly open survey period, which occurs during the last week of each month.