Breaking

U.S. Manufacturing Streak Extends to 10 Months Despite Iran War

U.S. manufacturing expanded for the tenth consecutive month in October, with the Purchasing Managers' Index reaching 55.5 and surpassing forecasts. The expansion reflects sustained demand across industrial sectors, though sentiment remains cautious. Procurement officers cited Iran war concerns in the latest index as increasingly negative factors. Input cost pressures persist as a significant headwind. Respondents noted elevated pricing across raw materials and components. Trade policy uncertainty continues to weigh on manufacturer outlooks for coming quarters. Despite expansion, expectations for future business conditions have deteriorated. Less-than-truckload carriers similarly expressed guarded optimism about freight demand, mirroring manufacturing's mixed signals.