US Business Activity Growth Holds Close to 5-Year High

The US Composite PMI eased to 57.6 in October 2026 from 58.4 in September, a two-month low, but remained firmly in expansion territory and signalled the second-strongest increase in business activity since March 2022.

Growth in new orders strengthened to its highest level in more than four-and-a-half years, while export sales recorded their largest gain since May 2022.

Employment also remained strong, rising at its fastest pace since June 2022 as companies increased staffing to meet demand and address growing backlogs.

However, mounting cost pressures drove selling-price inflation to its highest level since August 2022.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →