As fears of a potential recession grip consumers, spurred by the Trump administration’s announcement of tariffs on Chinese imports, IHS Markit is reporting a 0.9% overall decline in commodity prices in the Materials Price Index released on Aug. 21.
Surpassing even the most optimistic expectations of industry observers, sales of construction equipment are on pace to record double-digit growth for 2018, providing welcome momentum in the face of looming uncertainties about the market’s long-term prospects.
Caterpillar posted strong gains in the third quarter of 2018, but analysts were seeking clearer answers on how the company may absorb a rise in material costs.