US factory activity contracted in July at the fastest pace in nine months, with the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index decreasing to 48 from 49 in the previous month. The decline follows a slowdown in orders and is driven by a larger-than-expected drop in employment. This marks the fifth consecutive month of contraction, as measured by the gauge below 50.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-01/us-manufacturing-contracts-at-fastest-pace-in-nine-months