This week was overall steady for the ID Index. Down a total of 1.25 points on the week, the Index is holding fair across the board. Half of the companies in the index took a hit this week, but none more than $2.00 total.
One disclaimer: Please consider that market values may have changed slightly since the close of business on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.
A week ago, the ID Index came in at 763.46 after gaining 5.18 points, almost making up for a previous week’s loss of 6.57. As of Wednesday, March 7, 2012, the index is down a very slight 1.25 points for a total of 762.22.
W.W. Grainger (GWW) continues its lead of the index, leveling out this week three cents shy of last week. Houston Wire & Cable Company (HWCC) remains the lowest valued stock in the index coming in at 14.40 points after a gain of .11. They trail Rexel SA (RXL) by only 1.28, and Rexel lost three times more this week than HWCC. In comparison, Ford Motor Company was trading at 12.41, Panasonic at 8.77, and Nokia at 5.05, with all three hitting a slight slump on the week.
This week’s biggest loss comes from Kaman Corporation (KAMN), dropping only 1.70 on the week, but just enough to earn it the slot. The average loss this week was .77. The largest gain: Barnes Group (B), edging out MSC Industrial’s gain by only .11 this week.
Other economic data worth noting:
- $1 = 0.75 Euros, remaining unchanged for two weeks now
- A gallon of regular gas is averaging $3.73 in the U.S., compared with $3.38 a year ago & $3.44 only a month ago.
- Crude oil is currently trading at $106.86, versus $109.59/barrel last week, down slightly.
- Natural gas is currently at $2.27/BTU.
- Gold is at $1698.70/Troy ounce.
- Copper is at $3.79/pound.
The ID Index is comprised of your publicly-traded peer companies that we can track in offering some insight on the comparative health of industrial distribution. All of these companies are found in our Big 50, with their rankings ranging from #3 to #32. Each week we’ll offer a look at how the index performed collectively, as well as individually. Additional, pertinent economic data will also be included from time to time.
