U.S. manufacturing activity reached its highest level in over four years during July. Strong order growth boosted factory employment, while supply chains faced strain. Input costs remained elevated due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Businesses are front-loading orders to avoid potential shortages and higher prices. This expansion occurred as factory production grew at its fastest pace in four years.

Prices are “still too high but going in the right direction,” said Susan Spence, chair of the Institute for Supply Management.

TOKYO, Aug 3 : Japan's manufacturing output expanded in July at its fastest pace in more than 12 years, with across-the-board improvements in sub-indexes, including a 4.5-year…

U.S. manufacturing activity reached its highest level in over four years during July. Strong order growth boosted factory employment, while supply chains faced strain. Input costs…