U.S. Factory Activity Expands in August
By Jessica Coacci
Factory activity expanded in the U.S at a slightly slower pace in August, according to a survey of manufacturing firms.
The ISM's purchasing managers' index was 54.6 in August compared with 55.6 in July. Readings above 50 indicate a sectoral expansion. Analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal were expecting a reading of 55.3.
The new orders index expanded for the eighth consecutive month after four straight readings in contraction. Meanwhile, the prices index remained in expansion, registering the same reading as July. The employment index reading was down from July.
The supplier deliveries index indicated slowing performance for the ninth month in a row after one month in 'faster' territory, the survey said.
"In August, U.S. manufacturing activity remained in expansion territory, though it has lost ground in a number of key measures - namely, the new orders, backlog and imports indexes," said Susan Spence, chair of the ISM.
Write to Jessica Coacci at jessica.coacci@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 01, 2026 10:30 ET (14:30 GMT)
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