(Feb 2): US manufacturing activity unexpectedly expanded in January at the fastest pace since 2022, energised 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. Sustained growth would help provide reassurance that manufacturing is on the mend after languishing the past three years. Lean customer stockpiles have the potential of providing more of a tailwind for factory orders and production in the coming months. The ISM prices-paid index climbed in January to a four-month high of 59.

Source: The Edge Markets February 02, 2026 15:28 UTC