The following is an analysis from Daniel J. Meckstroth, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI), regarding the industrial production report for December 2011.

1/12/2012 MAPI Survey on the Business Outlook: Composite Index Slips Slightly; Current Outlook Challenging, Future More Positive The results of the quarterly Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) Survey on the Business Outlook—December 2011 (EO-101) indicate an overall picture of continued growth for the industrial sector, but at a more moderate pace during the first half of 2012.