U.S. Factory Activity Expanded in October, Says ISM — Update
By Jessica Coacci
Factory activity expanded in the U.S. in October for the 10th consecutive month, according to a survey of manufacturing firms.
The Institute for Supply Management's purchasing managers' index was 55.5 in October - higher than the September figure of 54.5. Readings above 50 indicate a sectoral expansion. Analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal were expecting a reading of 54.5.
The October reading of the production index was the highest since November 2021, the survey said. The new orders index expanded for the 10th consecutive month after four straight readings in contraction.
Meanwhile, the prices index remained in expansion, registering 75.2, compared with September's reading of 77.9.
"Higher prices were reported by 53.1% of respondents in October, down 5.5 percentage points from September's 58.6%," said Susan Spence, chair of the ISM.
The employment index reading of 52.4 is down slightly from September, the survey said.
Write to Jessica Coacci at jessica.coacci@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 02, 2026 11:07 ET (16:07 GMT)
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