Input Stories

The S&P Global Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI rose from 50.2 in March to 50.7 in April, a two-month high and above the 50-point marker that signals growth in business conditions. Factory production edged back into growth after declining last month. New orders also rose at an increased rate, due to higher domestic orders. Meanwhile, falling export sales were linked widely to new tariffs. The Flash PMI is based on 85% of survey responses for the monthly PMI survey, so although not final, it can give an indication of where activity is trending.

Overall business activity slowed to a 16-month low in April. The average price for goods and services in manufacturing rose to a 29-month high, as suppliers navigate tariff-based price hikes and a weakened exchange rate. Manufacturing employment also declined for the first time since October. Meanwhile, optimism about future business conditions fell for the third month in a row and to the lowest point since July 2022. Sentiment was more resilient for manufacturing than in services, with some companies reporting optimism about protectionist trade policies. Nonetheless, factory confidence fell to its lowest point since last August amid rising costs, supply challenges, weak economic growth and lower export demand.