America has a muddled recovery in manufacturing
A recent report from the Institute for Supply Management indicates a rebound in U.S. manufacturing activity, with its purchasing managers' index reaching a four-year high. This suggests the sector has moved out of a prolonged slump, showing expansion in new orders, production, and backlogs. However, anecdotal evidence from industry participants points to significant challenges, including supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs due to geopolitical events, and persistent input cost inflation, raising questions about the sustainability of this recovery. AI