Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Though US manufacturing sector grew for 33rd consecutive month and economy for 76th consecutive month, growth was only marginal at 50.2, compared to 51.1 in August. Headline reading is weakest since June 2013.
Key highlights -
- New orders index growth is very marginal at 50.1, down 1.6 points from August.
- Production index came at 51.8, 1.8 points lower from August.
- Employment index dropped 50.5, 0.7 points lower from August.
- Prices paid continue to drop, falls to 38, lowest reading since March, this year.
Highlights from industry -
- Revenues and profits in Petroleum industry continue to be impacted from lower prices.
- International business bearish, according to Chemical industries.
- High Dollar is affecting procurement cost for electronics and computer industry.
- For Fabricated Metal industry concerns over China denting consumer confidence in the industry.
- According to Transportation Equipment industry consumers are nervous about future.
- For Furniture & Related Products business is picking up.
- Nonmetallic Mineral Products registering slowdown in orders.
- Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components improving but slowly.
- Primary Metals are seeing slower demand affected by oil and gas prices.
Dollar index, wiped out today's gains and accelerated loss after ISM release, index is currently trading at 96.06, down from 96.5 area of today's high.
