Two major economic indicators released this week point to continued momentum heading into spring. The first is the latest ISM Manufacturing PMI, which rose to 52.4% in February, marking a second month of expansion and only the third time the sector has grown in the past 40 months. The New Orders Index expanded for a second month, registering 55.8%, still above the 50% growth threshold but slightly lower than January’s reading of 57.1%.

The second indicator is the latest US Jobs Report, which further reinforces economic resilience. Total nonfarm payrolls increased by 130,000, with healthcare, social assistance, and construction leading gains. The unemployment rate held at 4.3% in January, with 7.4 million people unemployed — little changed from the month prior.

Together, the latest manufacturing and labor readings show expansion in factory activity alongside stable employment conditions.

Source: BLS.gov