The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI inched up to 56.0 in October 2026 from 55.9 in September, surpassing market expectations of 55.5, according to preliminary estimates. The latest reading signaled the strongest improvement in manufacturing operating conditions since May 2022. While growth in both output and new orders eased slightly, they remained at elevated levels, indicating continued robust expansion. Employment growth accelerated to its fastest pace since March 2012, and input inventories increased at the quickest rate in four months. At the same time, suppliers’ delivery times lengthened to the greatest extent since July 2022.