Productivity in manufacturing rose an unprecedented 13. 5 percent in the third quarter. It means business is rising but the number of employees isn’t. The inflation vigilantes do not accept these numbers. But I’m feeling groovy about productivity gains which will give a big chill to the dollar killers and gold hoarders. Sell your bullion unless you’re going to make soup.
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After discussing murder in the workplace, Tuesday, how about some good news?
Chrysler is breaking even now despite its third grade styling. Costs have been pared to the femur. Fiat’sMarchionne is a serious guy and he has brought in a young, aggressive team to turn the joint upside down. With money in the bank (taxpayer’s) and minimal cash burn, Chrysler has a fighting chance to make it when its Chef Boyardee Italian-American line hits the market in two or three years.
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Ford made a billion dollars last quarter and gained market share. They have 23 billion in cash. GM gained market share in the quarter. Toyota made money in the quarter after predicting a loss. Automotiveland is producing at the rate of 10.5 million units per year and making some money. At 12 million they will feel good. The emasculated supply base will need to rebuild capacity.
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Ninety yen to the dollar, and a 1.45 Euro will make American suppliers tasty dollops for acquirers. The Canadian dollar has risen .80 to .93 to the U.S. dollar. We are seeing Canadians in Ontario stepping up for CNC lathes here because they look like bargains with the almost 20 percent swing in the relative value of the respective currencies and because of the upswing in automotive.
Question: Are you feeling happy today?
Jerry Seinfeld’s 1967 (Summer of Love) Fiat 500 that he crashed in 2008
