Preliminary data for the June 2013 CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI; the most recent available) indicate that the composite index decreased by 0.3% from the final May value. The value for the Heat Exchangers & Tanks subindex rose slightly, while the other subindex values decreased. The June 2013 preliminary PCI index value stands at 3.5% lower than the corresponding final PCI value from June 2012. Meanwhile, the latest Current Business Indicators from IHS Global Insight once again moved in both directions, with the CPI output index edging slightly upward, while the CPI value of output decreased from the previous month. The hourly earnings index and CPI operating rate changed little.
Current economic trends
| By Scott Jenkins