After climbing 13% in the second quarter, the FIN Fastener Stock Index growth slowed to a 5.4% rate of increase in the third quarter of 2019, lower than a 6.8% gain by an index of related industrial stocks during the quarter.

For the second consecutive quarter, Arconic achieved the largest percentage gain of the period, rising 54.2% in the third quarter of 2019.

Arconic plans to separate its portfolio businesses by the fourth quarter of 2019, a move praised by analysts. EP&S (engine components, fastening systems, and engineered structures) and forged aluminum wheels will be named Howmet Aerospace. Global Rolled Products and Construction Systems will operate in a company that retains the Arconic name. 

Other FINdex companies with gains of 10% or more during Q3 included Carpenter Technology (up 45%); Bisco Industries (up 52.5%); ITW (up 23.5%); Lawson Products (up 22.5%); Simpson Mfg. (up 28.2%); Stanley Black & Decker (up 20.6%); TriMas Corp. (up 12.3%); and Wesco Aircraft (up 39.3%).

In the first nine months of 2019, the FINdex gained 19.8%, lower than the 23.2% increase by an index of related industrial stocks.

The FINdex contracted in 2018, hampered by volatility that dominated the markets, making 2018 the worst year for stocks in a decade. The FINdex declined 7.1% during the year, compared to a 7% drop by an index of related industrial stocks. The loss followed two consecutive years of double-digit growth.

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