It's a week of mixed messages, depending on which side of the Atlantic you call home.
The good news: MHEDA reports that new orders of materials handling equipment in the United States rose 10.5% in the 12 months to August, reaching USD34.8 billion.
The rising order levels come amid broader US industrial economic growth, according to the industry group.
Not-so-good news: BITA members' confidence has declined since Spring. Just over 20% of respondents felt less optimistic about general prospects for the coming 12 months.
It was not so long ago that the UK was soaring and the US struggling, and while the current situation is tough for local operators and for multinationals focused on the UK market, this again reinforces the need for diversity.