APICS Business Outlook Index
A national manufacturing index that surveys several manufacturing firms on a monthly basis. If the index is above 50 it signals expansion, if it dips below 50 it indicates contraction.
Investopedia Commentary
It's released on the last business Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of the month (whichever is latest) at 8:30 a.m..
Related Links
Economic Indicators to Know
See also: PPI
Also spelled: apics