FX.co ★ US Kansas Fed Manufacturing Slows Slightly in April

The Kansas City Fed’s Manufacturing Production Index ticked down to 10 in April 2026 from a four-month high of 11 in March, indicating a modest easing in factory activity. Durable goods output declined, while nondurable goods production continued to rise, led primarily by gains in food manufacturing. Most month-over-month indicators remained positive, with the notable exceptions of export orders and employment. On a year-over-year basis, the majority of measures stayed in positive territory, though backlogs of orders, employment, and materials inventories were negative. Looking ahead, expectations for future conditions strengthened, with the composite index increasing from 16 to 18 as outlooks for production and new orders improved further.