INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Local purchasing managers are weighing in on the up’s and down’s of the COVID-19 economy.

The Purchasing Manager’s Index has shifted back to growth mode which has displayed an alternating pattern since last spring.

Only 20% of the purchasing managers surveyed by the Institute of Applied Research at Cal State San Bernardino believe the economy will become stronger in the coming quarter, 24% believe it will weaken and 60% believe it will remain the same.

The Institute notes that “Consumer confidence is up which means consumers will soon be returning to “buying mode.” And, yes, more and more businesses and schools are reopening. But on the downside, COVID-19 cases are rising among U.S. children and the much anticipated ‘second wave’ has yet to happen.”

The Institute concluded in its monthly report Thursday that a return to more sustained growth mode won’t happen until early next year. “Only when the health crisis is under control through effective treatments, rapid testing, and a readily available vaccine will life return to “normal.”

Story Date: October 6, 2020