Optimism and Willingness to Invest in Capital Rise Together

The latest “30-second survey” conducted by Modern Machine Shop shows that more than 23 percent of respondents say they are very likely to buy capital equipment in the next 12 months. That’s the highest figure since the survey was first conducted in May 2009, when only 12 percent of respondents said they were very likely to buy.

The survey, conducted every two months, asks a random sample of MMS readers about their buying intentions for the coming year. Other questions ask about their outlook on the general economy and their own businesses. Responses to these questions in the latest survey show that an optimistic mood continues to prevail.

Respondents are generally more optimistic about their own businesses than about the general economy. This may reflect the general perception that manufacturing is growing more strongly than other sectors of the economy.

The percentage of respondents indicating that they are feeling much worse about their businesses fell to its lowest level in the survey’s history. The latest figure here is 2.7 percent. It was as high as 14.8 percent a year and a half ago.