US Flash PMI indicates continued expansion in business activity for January, while job levels show minimal variation

US Business Activity Shows Modest Improvement in January

Preliminary PMI figures for January indicate a slight uptick in overall business activity across the United States. However, the pace of growth remains slower than the expansion rates typically observed during the latter half of 2025.

Manufacturing output saw a stronger increase than the services sector this month. Despite this, the latest survey highlights a continued easing in new order growth for both industries, largely due to a decline in export demand. As a result, employment levels showed minimal change in January.

While optimism about the economic outlook for the coming year persists, it has edged down somewhat, reflecting tempered expectations for ongoing growth and demand.