Business activity in the U.S. improved in early 2020, contrasting with weaker economic performance in some of the world’s other major economies. Data company IHS Markit said Friday that its composite purchasing managers index for the U.S., a measure of activity in businesses, posted a ten-month high of 53.1 in January, up from 52.7 in December. A level above 50 points to growth in business activity, while a reading below that mark points to contraction.

Source: Wall Street Journal January 24, 2020 10:19 UTC