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The US S&P Composite PMI Flash rose to 53.6 in July 2026, exceeding expectations and marking the strongest pace of private-sector business expansion in eight months. The latest survey from S&P Global showed stronger services activity, continued manufacturing expansion, and higher inflation pressures, offering an updated assessment of economic conditions for businesses and financial markets. Key Takeaways The US S&P Composite PMI Flash increased to 53.6 in July, above forecasts and June’s reading. Stronger services activity drove overall private-sector growth. Manufacturing remained in expansion territory, although output growth slowed. Business confidence improved while employment returned to modest growth. Input costs and selling prices accelerated, indicating renewed inflation pressures. The latest US S&P Composite PMI Flash showed that private-sector business activity strengthened in July as services firms reported faster growth and manufacturers maintained expansion despite moderating output. The preliminary survey reading of 53.6 exceeded market expectations of 52.2 and improved from June’s 51.9, signaling a faster pace of economic activity. A Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 signals contraction. July’s increase represented the strongest composite reading since late 2025 and suggested improved business conditions across much of the U.S. economy. The survey also
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Bureau of Economic Analysis Changes Core PCE Methodology
The Bureau of Economic Analysis announced methodology updates for the core Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure. The revisions will change how several price categories are calculated beginning Sept. 30, refining a key economic indicator used to assess U.S. inflation. Key Takeaways The BEA will implement methodology changes to the core PCE price index on Sept. 30. The revisions affect portfolio management fees, computer software and legal services. Core PCE is the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of underlying inflation. Economists expect the updated methodology to modestly revise reported inflation readings. The changes are intended to improve the accuracy of the inflation index. The Core PCE methodology update will take effect on Sept. 30 after the Bureau of Economic Analysis announced revisions to the way several components of the core Personal Consumption Expenditures price index are calculated. The changes affect one of the Federal Reserve’s primary inflation indicators and are expected to refine the measurement of underlying price pressures without changing the central bank’s long-term inflation objective. The Bureau of Economic Analysis stated that the revised methodology will update calculations for portfolio management fees, computer software and legal services. These categories contribute to the core Personal
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U.S. Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since 1969
U.S. jobless claims fell to 187,000 in the week ending July 18, the lowest reading since September 1969, according to Labor Department data cited by Reuters and The Associated Press. The report matters because it shows layoffs remain limited even as June payroll growth slowed, creating a sharper divide between worker retention and new hiring. Key Takeaways U.S. initial claims declined by 22,000 from the prior week’s revised 209,000. The four-week moving average fell by 7,250 to 207,500. Continuing claims decreased to 1.796 million, while the insured unemployment rate held at 1.2%. June payrolls rose by 57,000 as labor force participation declined to 61.5%. The Labor Department reported that seasonally adjusted jobless claims fell to 187,000 for the week ending July 18. Reuters and The Associated Press said the figure was the lowest since September 1969, based on Labor Department data. The weekly decline was the largest in three months. Claims fell by 22,000 from the previous week’s revised level of 209,000, while the four-week moving average dropped to 207,500 from 214,750. The result also came in well below expectations. Economists surveyed by Reuters had forecast 212,000 applications, while analysts surveyed by FactSet expected 215,000. The difference reinforced the report’s
Economists See Higher Odds of Fed Rate Hike in 2026
Economists surveyed on Fed rate hike expectations increasingly believe the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate increase
Dollar Falls as June Producer Prices Drop 0.3%
The U.S. dollar weakened after producer prices unexpectedly fell in June, giving investors further evidence that inflation pressures
Fed Communication Strategy Review Draws IMF Engagement
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it looks forward to engaging with the U.S. Federal Reserve as the central bank reviews its Fed communication strategy and forward guidance framework. The review is significant because communication plays a central role in how financial markets interpret monetary policy decisions and future interest
Fed Inflation Outlook Improves as Williams Cites Lower Energy Prices
New York Fed President John Williams said lower energy prices have made him more optimistic about the Fed inflation outlook while reaffirming the Federal Reserve’s commitment to restoring price stability. His remarks offer investors updated insight into the central bank’s assessment of inflation and monetary policy. Key Takeaways John Williams
Fed’s Goolsbee Cites Inflation Challenges Despite Stable Jobs
Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee said inflation challenges remain a concern for policymakers after recent economic data suggested price pressures are not easing as expected, even while labor market conditions continue to show stability. Speaking on June 22, Goolsbee stated that inflation is moving in the wrong direction, signaling
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Wells Fargo Lifts S&P 500 Year-End Forecast for 2026
Wells Fargo S&P 500 forecast expectations moved higher this week after the bank revised its outlook for U.S. equities, citing stronger projections for corporate earnings through the remainder of 2026. The updated estimate raises the firm’s year-end target for the benchmark stock index and reflects changes in its assessment of
UBS Now Expects Federal Reserve to Hold Rates Through 2026
Federal Reserve to hold rates through 2026 is now the outlook presented by UBS after the financial institution revised its expectations for U.S. monetary policy and removed its forecast for interest rate cuts this year. The updated projection was released ahead of the Federal Reserve’s June policy meeting and reflects
ECB Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points in June Decision
The ECB raises interest rates following a policy meeting held on June 11, with the European Central Bank announcing a 25-basis-point increase to its key rates as policymakers assessed inflation developments and economic conditions across the euro area. The decision was adopted by the ECB Governing Council, which is responsible
U.S. Tariff Increase Leads to Drop in EU Steel Exports
U.S. tariff increase has been linked to a significant reduction in European steel shipments to the American market, with industry association Eurofer reporting that export volumes fell 34% after import duties on steel and aluminum were raised to 50%. The decline affected producers across the European Union and comes as
Microsoft Unveils Majorana 2 Quantum Chip With 1000x Reliability
Microsoft introduced its next‑generation quantum computing chip, Majorana 2, at its annual Build conference, unveiling a platform the company says offers qubit reliability improvements unprecedented in its own development efforts and reporting an adjusted timeline for larger quantum systems. The announcement, delivered during a keynote and a series of technical
Nvidia Plans Taiwan Expansion With 4,000 New Jobs
Nvidia Taiwan expansion plans moved further into focus on May 27 after chief executive Jensen Huang announced that the company would increase its operations in Taiwan, add 4,000 employees at a new site, and continue building relationships with major manufacturing partners tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. The announcement came during
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U.S. Energy Prices Rise Faster Than Average Wage Growth
U.S. energy prices continued to play a significant role in consumer inflation during May, with government data indicating that increases in fuel and related energy
