Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Diverging Views; Manufacturing Outlook Remains Strong
The Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate steady at a target range of 4.25% to 4.5% for the fifth meeting in a row. For the first time since December 1993, two members of the committee dissented.
Shrinking Imports and Continued Consumer Demand Fuel GDP Jump in Q2
Today, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released their advanced estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2025. Real GDP increased by 3.0% on an annualized basis, driven by a sharp reduction in imports.
Machinery Orders Slow in May While Preserving Year-Over-Year Gains
New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $392.7 million in May 2025, an 11.8% decline from April 2025 and a 2.7% increase from May 2024. 2025 orders placed through May totaled $2.09 billion, a 15% increase over the first five months of 2024.
Fed Holds Rates Steady, Foreseeing Inflation, Tight Labor Markets
The Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate steady at a target range of 4.25%-4.5% for the fourth meeting in a row, citing the need to keep policy rates modestly restrictive to address a meaningful amount of inflation projected over the coming months.
April 2025 US Cutting Tool Orders Total $212.8M, Up 2.7% From March
Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report compiled by AMT and USCTI, totaled $212.8 million in April 2025. Orders increased 2.7% from March 2025 but were down 2.8% from April 2024. Year-to-date shipments totaled $818.3 million.
Machinery Orders Continue Upswing Despite Typical April Decline
New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $444.9 million in April 2025, a 12.7% decline from March and a nearly 40% increase from April 2024. Year-to-date orders totaled $1.69 billion, a 17.8% increase over the first four months of 2024.
March 2025 US Cutting Tool Orders Total $207.1M, Up 4.3% From February
Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report compiled by AMT and USCTI, totaled $207.1 million in March 2025. Orders increased 4.3% from February 2025, fell 4.2% from March 2024, and totaled $605.6 million year to date.
Machinery Demand Keeps Momentum Ahead of Rising Economic Uncertainty
New orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the USMTO Report published by AMT, totaled $515.8 million in March 2025, the highest monthly value since March 2023. March 2025 orders increased 33.8% from February 2025 and were up 20.5% from March 2024.
Fed Continues Rate Hold Amid Rising Manufacturing Technology Demand
Today, the Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate steady at a target range of 4.25% to 4.5% for the third meeting in a row, citing increasing uncertainty in the economic outlook and a rising risk of higher unemployment and inflation.
AMT Announces 2025 Meetup Series With WiM and NTMA
AMT announces the return of its popular AMT Meetup series, featuring seven stops across the country and new partnerships with Women in Manufacturing and NTMA. These free events connect professionals working in and around the manufacturing tech sector.