Chart of the Day: Electronics PMI eases slightly in April

The index was at 51.6 at the end of the month.

This chart from the Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (SIPMM) shows that the Electronics Sector Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) has eased 0.2 point from the previous month to post a slower expansion at 51.6.

The slower rate of expansion was attributed to slower growth rates in the key indicators of new electronics orders, electronics factory output, and electronics inventory level.

The stocks of finished goods recorded a first-time contraction after 7 months of expansion. Electronics imports and supplier deliveries also recorded slower rates of expansion.

However, faster growth rates were recorded in the key indicator of electronics employment, as well as input prices, and order backlog. The electronics sector has now recorded its 9th month of consecutive expansion.