1 September 2023
US manufacturing woes persist as the ISM Manufacturing index for July falls to 47.9 (down from June’s 49.0). The Manufacturing PMI also rises only slightly to 47.6, remaining below 50 for four months. Chris Williamson from S&P Global warns of declining orders, weak pricing power, and fading business confidence. The report hints at potential stagflation, with rising prices but dampened demand. Hope rests on future policy initiatives, but immediate outlook remains uncertain.