US factories beat forecasts: ISM PMI 55.5, output highest since 2021

What happened. On November 2 ISM published its US manufacturing PMI for October: 55.5, up from 54.5 in September. Per Trading Economics, markets expected 54.6. The PMI is a survey of factory purchasing managers: above 50 means conditions are better than a month earlier. Manufacturing has now grown for ten months after ten months of contraction.

What is growing. The production index rose to 59.0 from 56.7, its highest since November 2021. New orders were 55.5 against 55.3. Inventories are growing again: 51.4 against 48.6. All five parts of the index are above 50. ISM says a PMI at this level has in the past matched US GDP growth of about 2.7% a year.

What is worrying. Input prices rose for the 25th month in a row. The prices index was 75.2, down from 77.9 in September but still high. 53.1% of respondents reported paying more. Aluminum, copper, steel, memory and electronic components cost more, and the same items are in short supply. Hiring slowed: 52.4 against 52.7. The tone of comments got worse for a third month: 34% positive and 66% negative. Price swings, long lead times and tariffs were mentioned most.

Why it matters to you. Strong factories and high input prices give the Fed fewer reasons to cut rates fast. That drives bond yields and the dollar, and through them stocks and crypto. Surveyed firms say demand tied to AI and data centers is causing shortages and price rises.

What is not known. Whether output keeps growing in November. How the Fed reads the data. This is an overview, not advice.

حقائق مؤكدة

• The ISM US Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.5 in October 2026 from 54.5 in September, the tenth straight month of growth.^[1]
• Markets expected 54.6.^[2]
• The production index rose to 59.0 from 56.7, the highest since November 2021 (60.5).^[1][2]
• New orders 55.5 vs 55.3, employment 52.4 vs 52.7, inventories 51.4 vs 48.6.^[1][2]
• The prices index was 75.2 vs 77.9; input prices rose for the 25th month and 53.1% of respondents reported higher prices.^[1]
• Comments were 34% positive and 66% negative, the third month of worsening sentiment.^[1]
• ISM says a PMI of 55.5 has in the past matched about 2.7% annualized real GDP growth.^[1]
• The next ISM report, for November, is due December 1, 2026.^[1]

التبعات

• مؤكدUS manufacturing grew faster in October than markets expected.
• قراءتناHigh input prices may keep inflation sticky and lower the odds of fast Fed rate cuts. This is our view.
• قراءتناStrong data may support the dollar and bond yields. This is our view.

لا يزال مجهولًا

• Whether output keeps growing in November
• How the Fed reads the data
• When shortages of memory, copper and electronics ease

من يتأثر

USA, World. People who follow Fed rates, the dollar and US stocks

المصادر

1. Institute for Supply Management: Manufacturing PMI at 55.5%; October 2026 ISM Manufacturing PMI Report 2 نوفمبر 2026 · رسمي
2. Trading Economics: US Manufacturing Activity Beats Expectations 2 نوفمبر 2026 · إعلام