Production up in July despite conflict | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

U.S. manufacturing activity rose to the highest level in more than four years in July, supported by strong order growth and improvements in factory employment, but the Middle East conflict is still disrupting supply chains and pushing input costs higher. In the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) survey, however, responses were largely negative, with the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran dominating comments. The ISM manufacturing PMI climbed from 53.3 in June to 55.6 in July, beating Reuters’ forecast of 54.0. Economists noted pricing volatility and said the Fed could raise rates as soon as next month, despite signs of expansion.