US manufacturing activity surged in June as businesses stocked up anticipating shortages and price hikes, driven by Middle East conflict impacts. However, factory employment plunged to a six-year low due to rising operational costs. Despite peace talks offering some confidence, inflation concerns persist, leading manufacturers to cut jobs. This trend contrasts with official payroll data, suggesting private surveys may not always predict broader employment figures.

US manufacturing activity surged in June as businesses stocked up anticipating shortages and price hikes, driven by Middle East conflict impacts. However, factory employment…

The increase in the services PMI was partly attributed to the FIFA World Cup tournament. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.