Same-day sales were up mid-single digits vs. February alongside a solid year-over-year gain.
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ISM shared that 19% of the manufacturing sector’s GDP contracted in April, compared to 16% in March.
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Government spending and private investment increased sequentially, and AI-related spending helped drive strong growth in business investment in equipment and structures.
It suggests solid growth for homebuilding throughout 1Q26 and into April.
The Fed held rates steady again on April 29, maintaining a wait-and-see stance on inflation. The decision likely marks Jerome Powell’s final FOMC meeting as chair, extending a prolonged pause with implications for distributor demand and investment.
This comprehensive MDM 2Q26 Forecast Report is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories.
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MDM’s 1Q26 MarketPulse Report consists of the quarterly results, analysis and commentary from the latest Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey — conducted early April — that explored revenue performance, pricing and business expectations for the current quarter and rest-of-year. It includes a wealth of market-specific data and commentary from survey respondents.
Ludwig Meister Co-CEO Max Meister joins the Podcast to explain why innovation fails without execution — and why AI won’t fix bad data. We also preview his SHIFT main stage session on benchmarking digital, data, sales and culture maturity.
PMA's latest business conditions report showed relatively flat movement for near-term outlook, with a modest decrease in monthly shipping levels offset by higher expected near-term orders.
The year is off to a strong start, with cutting tool orders up double digits from the start of 2025 supported by rising industrial activity.
Analysts from Jefferies cited increased branch foot traffic at a handful of major industrial distributors that correlates with demand optimism voiced in 1Q26 earnings calls.
Production slowed in most market groups. Declines were partially offset by growth in the output of construction supplies, defense, industrial and space equipment.
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Core inflation posted a modest monthly gain, while final demand good prices saw their biggest one-month increase since August 2023.
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Hitting a new lowpoint in the index's 74-year history, it nderscores a sharp deterioration in household confidence entering 2Q.
Order value continues its considerable year-over-year and year-to-date improvement, whole volume remains flat.
Pricing is still playing a large — albeit decelerated role — in the company’s strong results, while management was upbeat on underlying demand. Get our in-depth breakdown of Fastenal’s 1Q metrics.
