Global PMI readings for August 2026 show mixed signals

Key developments

1. Sep 3, 2026

   China's manufacturing PMI hovers near the 50 threshold, marking a second consecutive month of contraction amid weak domestic demand and a property slump.

   171 sources on this →
2. Sep 3, 2026

   US services PMI hits a six-month high of 55.4, while Japan, the UK and India also post expansionary readings despite inflation and cost pressures.

   11 sources on this →

Coverage across the spectrum

Stories in this storyline

Business

Global PMIs Mixed in August Readings

China’s manufacturing activity remains in contraction as the PMI hovers around the 50 threshold, with August readings signaling a second consecutive month of weakness even as exports support growth. The economy faces sluggish domestic demand and a protracted property slump, keeping policymakers’ room for easing but with limited scale and uncertain impact on momentum.

171 sources

Business

US services PMI hits six-month high while global readings diverge

August services activity remained in expansion mode in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and India, with the U.S. ISM services PMI at 55.4, Japan’s PMI at 52.5, UK services at 52.5, and India at 54.1. While demand and activity are generally firmer, reports note inflation, higher costs, and mixed export demand weighing on near-term prospects.