Australia’s private sector activity strengthened in July 2026, with the S&P Global Manufacturing & Services PMI climbing to 52.60 from 50.40 in June, according to data updated on 23 July 2026. The month-over-month improvement suggests a firmer expansion in business conditions after hovering just above the stagnation line in the previous month.
June’s reading of 50.40 indicated only marginal growth compared with May, but the move to 52.60 in July points to a more decisive upturn. As the index remains above the 50 threshold that separates contraction from expansion, the latest data signal that both manufacturing and services are contributing to a modest but broad-based improvement in Australia’s economic momentum.
On a month-over-month comparison, the “actual” July figure reflects a stronger acceleration than seen in June’s “previous” change versus May, hinting at rising demand and potentially improved confidence across the private sector as the third quarter gets under way. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming releases closely to gauge whether this pick-up can be sustained in the months ahead.
