Fastest growth rate in over 4 years

Fastest growth rate in over 4 years.

In July, US manufacturing activity remained in expansion territory, growing at its fastest rate in more than four years. The Manufacturing PMI registered 55.6 percent in July, 2.3 percentage points above the June figure and the highest reading since May 2022 (55.9 percent). The overall economy continued in expansion for the 21^st month in a row (a Manufacturing PMI above 47.5 percent over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy). The New Orders Index expanded for the seventh consecutive month. The Production Index was 6.3 higher than the 52.2 percent recorded in June and the highest figure since November 2021.” 

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in July for the seventh consecutive month, say the nations supply executives in the latest ISM Manufacturing PMI Report. issued by Susan Spence, MBA, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

US raw steel production up from previous week

In the week ending August 15, 2026, US raw steel production was 1,833,000 net tons at an ACUR of 79.4 percent, up 0.7 percent from the previous week ending August 8, 2026. Adjusted YTD production through August 15, 2026, was 59,163,000 net tons at an ACUR of 79.0 percent.

Empire State Manufacturing Survey reports business activity grew strongly in New York State in August

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released its Empire State Manufacturing Survey results and reports business activity grew strongly in New York State in August, according to firms responding to the survey. The headline general business conditions index rose five points to 20.6, its highest reading in more than four years. New Orders and Shipments posted solid gains. Unfilled orders increased notably, delivery times lengthened substantially, and inventories declined.

August 2026 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey reports manufacturing activity in the region continued to expand overall

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia released its August 2026 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey results and reports manufacturing activity in the region continued to expand overall, according to firms responding to the survey. The survey’s indicator for general business activity rose to a five year high. The new orders and shipments indexes moved lower but remained elevated. The employment index rose, continuing to suggest overall gains in employment. Most future indicators jumped higher this month, suggesting widespread expectations for overall growth for the next six months.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the US increased

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the US increased by 0.2% in July 2026 to 99.5, after an upwardly revised decline of 0.1% in June. As a result, the LEI’s six-month growth rate turned positive.

The Leading Index for the US ticked up in July, marking the fourth increase over the past six months,” said Justyna Zabinska-LaMonica, Senior Manager, Business Cycle Indicators, at the Conference Board. “Most components were positive in July except consumer expectations, which continued to be a notable drag on the overall index. With the most recent gains, the LEI’s six-month growth rate turned positive for the first time in more than four years, suggesting moderate growth ahead.”

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