November 2, 2026
U.S. manufacturing activity increased in October. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 55.5 in October after edging down to 54.5 in September, with a reading above 50 indicating growth. The rebound in the headline index partly reflected a notable increase in the production index, which shot up from 56.7 in September to 59.0 in October. The new orders index also crept up from 55.3 in September to 55.5 in October.
The supplier deliveries index ticked up from 59.0 in September to 59.1 in October. A supplier deliveries index reading above 50% indicates slower deliveries, which is typical as the economy improves and customer demand increases. Meanwhile, the report said the employment index slipped from 52.7 in September to 52.4 in October, although a reading above 50 still indicates job growth in the manufacturing sector for the fourth straight month. The prices index also slid from 77.9 in September to 75.2 in October, indicating a slowdown in the pace of price growth. 11/02/2026 - 10:47:00 (RTTNews)
Euro traded at 1.1200 against USD at 9:00 AM PST
The euro area manufacturing activity expanded at a solid pace in October despite slowdown in factory order growth and intensifying supply-chain pressures. The final manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell from 52.9 in September to 52.7 in October, which was the highest score since May 2022. Factory output increased again in October, but the rate of growth rose to a four-month low. Total new business intakes rose more slowly, even as exports recorded the sharpest increase in just over four-and-a-half years.
Manufacturers hired additional staff, extending the current period of jobs growth to three months. Supply-related challenges remained significant as average delivery times from vendors lengthened to their longest level since June. Manufacturers raised their purchasing volumes at the fastest rate in close to four-and-a-half years. On the price front, there is a rapid acceleration of cost pressures. Input prices rose at the quickest pace since May. Consequently, manufacturers raised their prices sharply in response, although the extent to which charges were lifted was little changed from September.
Among the big four economies, Germany and Spain reported stronger growth. France and Italy were the only two-euro area member states to buck the broader expansion trend. Germany's manufacturing activity registered solid growth in October despite a resurgence in cost pressures. The final factory PMI posted 54.2, an increase from 53.9 in September. France's manufacturing activity fell back into contraction in October amid falling production, demand, employment, and intensifying cost pressures. The factory PMI dropped from 50.6 in September to 49.5.
Italy's manufacturing sector contracted more, with stronger declines in new orders and output. At 49.4, factory PMI was down from 50.4 in September. Meanwhile, Spain's manufacturing sector expanded at the fastest pace in over a year during October. The factory PMI registered 52.2, up from 51.0 in the previous month. 11/02/2026 - 05:39:00 (RTTNews)
Germany's retail sales declined in September. Retail sales dropped 2.0% monthly in September, in contrast to the 1.2% increase seen in August. Yearly, the decline in retail sales deepened from 0.3% in the prior month to 2.3%. Sales at petrol stations fell 3.4%. Retail sales of food products slid 1.4%, and non-food sales decreased 2.4% from August. At the same time, online and mail-order sales declined 2.2%. 11/02/2026 - 02:47:00 (RTTNews)
British Pound traded at 1.3419 against USD at 9:00 AM PST
The UK manufacturing activity expanded the most in five months in October as output and new orders gathered pace amid improving demand in both domestic and overseas markets. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose from 51.9 in September to a five-month high of 52.8 in October. Production increased for the seventh straight month, with the rate of growth hitting a 25-month high. Moreover, new work intakes grew at the fastest rate since July as export business increased for the tenth straight month. Domestic demand also remained strong.
However, continued upturn in manufacturing output and new orders had limited impact on the labor market. Staffing levels were unchanged, halting a six-month sequence of job growth. There were rising supply chain and purchasing cost pressures. Average vendor lead time lengthened to one of the greatest extents in the past four years. Further, both stocks of input and finished goods decreased.
Input costs rose for the thirty-fourth month in a row. The rate of inflation was one of the sharpest in the past four years. Part of the increase in costs was passed on to clients in the form of higher selling prices. Output charges rose at the fastest rate in three months. Finally, business optimism rose to an eight-month high in October. Nonetheless, several firms raised concerns about possible government policy changes and the high-cost environment. 11/02/2026 - 06:25:00 (RTTNews)
This market update is prepared by Cathay Bank for informational purposes only and does not constitute any form of legal, tax or investment advice, nor should it be considered an assurance or guarantee of future exchange rate movements or trends. This information is provided without regard to the specific objectives, financial situations or needs of any recipient. Cathay Bank does not make any representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of this market update.
Our specialists are happy to assist you with all your International Banking needs. Please reach out to our team for more information.
