The FIN Fastener Stock Index declined 0.4% in the second quarter of 2018, compared to a 13.1% gain by an index of related industrial stocks.

In a quarter pre-occupied by multiple rounds of tariffs, companies with fastener businesses faced uncertainty in their global supply chains.

Bisco Industries had the best FINdex performance in Q2, with share value growing 21.6% during the period.

Other fastener companies posting strong gains during Q2 included Carpenter Tech (up 19.2%); Grainger (up 9.8%); Simpson Mfg. (up 8.4%); Tree Island Steel (16.6%); TriMas (up 12.2%); and Wesco Aircraft (up 9.3%).

FINdex stocks losing share value during the quarter included Arconic – the former Alcoa Fastening Systems and Rings business (down 26.6%); Fastenal (down 11%); ITW (down 11%); MSC Industrial (down 7.1%); and Stanley Black & Decker (down 13.3%).

During the first six months of 2018, both the FINdex and an index of related industrial stocks were essentially unchanged.

Bisco Industries share value nearly doubled during the first half, rising 88.5%, boosted by a strong Q1 gain of 55%.

Other FINdex companies gaining 10% or more in value during the first half included Dorman Products (up 11.7%); Grainger (up 30.6%); Tree Island Steel (up 12.3%); TriMas (up 10%); and Wesco Aircraft (up 51.3%).

The FINdex achieved marginal growth of 0.3% in the opening quarter of 2018, compared to an 11.7% loss by an index of related industrial stocks.

In 2017, the FINdex rose 20.2%, compared to an 22.7% increase by an index of related industrial stocks.

For the last 10 years of FINdex financial coverage, FIN Subscribers can visit the FIN Stock Review section of GlobalFastenerNews.com.