Markit (latest release)
Measures Level of a diffusion index based on surveyed purchasing managers in the construction industry;
Usual Effect Actual > Forecast = Good for currency;
Frequency Released monthly, on the second business day after the month ends;
Next Release Apr 7, 2015
FF Notes Above 50.0 indicates industry expansion, below indicates contraction;
Why Traders
Care It's a leading indicator of economic health - businesses react quickly to market conditions, and their purchasing managers hold perhaps the most current and relevant insight into the company's view of the economy;
Derived Via Survey of about 170 purchasing managers which asks respondents to rate the relative level of business conditions including employment, production, new orders, prices, supplier deliveries, and inventories;
Acro Expand Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI);