US Manufacturing Activity Expands by the Most Since 2022 (3)

US manufacturing activity unexpectedly expanded in January at the fastest pace since 2022, energized by solid growth in new orders and production.

The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index rose to 52.6 from 47.9, according to data released Monday. Readings greater than 50 indicate expansion, and the latest figure topped all projections in a Bloomberg survey of economists.

Following nearly a year of contraction, the demand-related spike in factory activity is welcome news. Sustained growth would help provide reassurance that manufacturing is on the mend after languishing the past three years.

The ISM report showed a nearly 10-point increase in ...