News

The S&P Global Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI rose slightly from 48.5 in October to 48.8 in November, signaling a deterioration in business conditions for the fifth consecutive month but at the slowest rate since July. Although production fell sharply, all other PMI components moved higher. The rate of loss of new orders eased, and employment rose modestly for the first time in four months.

The improvement in sentiment was notable especially in the manufacturing sector, where optimism struck a 31-month high, adding to suggestions that activity may improve further in the coming months. Respondents also often cited a more business friendly incoming administration as beneficial to the outlook, notably in terms of looser regulation and protection measures, the latter particularly helping boost sentiment in manufacturing. On the other hand, suppliers’ delivery times lengthened to the greatest extent in 25 months, often linked to increased purchasing of imported inputs ahead of potential tariffs.