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U.S. Manufacturing PMI Hits Four-Year High While Services Activity Slows

Preliminary May data showed U.S. manufacturing activity rising to a 48-month high while services activity fell to a two-month low. The mixed results follow weaker readings from Japan and Europe.

ZeroHedge
1 source·May 21, 1:54 PM(8 days ago)·1m read
U.S. Manufacturing PMI Hits Four-Year High While Services Activity Slowsthehindu.com
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U.S. manufacturing activity rising to a 48-month high while services activity fell to a two-month low. S. 5 in April. S. 0 in April.

U.S. readings followed weaker data from Japan and Europe. Japan's services PMI hit its lowest level since March 2025. Europe's composite PMI reached its weakest level since late 2023.

Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the data reflected modest growth amid rising prices and job cuts. " Williamson added that firms' costs have jumped at a pace not seen since the 2022 energy price shock and are being passed on through higher selling prices.

The survey indicated that order book growth has slowed to its weakest level in two years over the past three months.

Key Facts

Manufacturing PMI 55.3
48-month high in May
Services PMI 50.9
Two-month low in May
Order book growth
Weakest in two years over past three months

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Rising prices may contribute to higher inflation readings in coming months.

  2. 02

    Slower order growth could limit business expansion in the second quarter.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count132 words
PublishedMay 21, 2026, 1:54 PM
Bias signals removed2 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 2

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