April 11, 2019
The Houston Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), a short-term leading indicator for regional production, registered 64.0 in March, its highest reading in six years and a strong gain from 56.1 in February. Readings above 45 signal overall economic expansion in Houston over the next three to four months. Readings above 50 signal expansion in the manufacturing sector. The region’s PMI has signaled expansion in overall
economic activity for 32 consecutive months and manufacturing activity for 19 consecutive months. The Houston PMI last reached this level in February ’13 with a reading of 64.2

The Houston PMI is derived from monthly surveys of local purchasing managers representing various industries. In March, oil and gas, manufacturing, mid-stream operations, professional services, and wholesale trade reported strong expansion, while health care was neutral.

Prepared by the Greater Houston Partnership Research Department.
Patrick Jankowski, CERP
Senior Vice President, Research
713-844-3616
pjankowski@houston.org

Josh Pherigo
Manager, Research
713-844-3617
jpherigo@houston.org