Industrial Heating’s monthly economic indicators for January 2018 remained over 50 for the 14th straight month, but three indices fell from December. The expected change in the health of the industry was at its highest level since October 2017. January 2018’s index numbers:

• Change in number of request for quotes from Nov. to Dec. – 53.2
• Change in number of orders from Nov. to Dec. – 55.5
• Change in backlog from Nov. to Dec. – 54.4
• Expected change in the health of the industry through Jan. – 57.9

January 2018’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their December 2017 business levels to their November 2017 levels. A number above 50.0 indicates increased activity or growth. A number below 50.0 indicates decreased activity or a decline in growth. Look for these numbers, along with historical values, in February 2018’s Industrial Heating.