{
  "id": 9450007,
  "title": "US business activity at more than five-year high; inflation pressures building",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/us-business-activity-at-more-than-five-year-high-inflation-pressures",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-24T00:35:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/09/1539795/us-business-activity-more-five-year-high-inflation-pressures"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The US economy experienced a surge in business activity in September, reaching a five-year high, according to S&P Global. The surge was driven by an increase in new orders, but supply chain issues and rising prices were notable challenges. The S&P Global Composite PMI Output Index, which measures manufacturing and services sectors, climbed to 58.4 in September, the highest level since July 2021. This rise indicates expansion in both sectors, with a reading above 50 signaling growth.\n\nThe economy's expansion rate is estimated at around 5% annually, consistent with the PMI data. Supply chain bottlenecks have been particularly severe, stemming from the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Demand for goods has been strong, contributing to rising prices and supply chain delays. The gauge of prices paid by businesses for inputs also reached a five-month high, reflecting the companies' increased pricing power.\n\nDespite this, some companies are struggling to find suitable staff. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to combat inflation, with further increases likely. The situation highlights the complex interplay between strong economic growth and persistent supply chain issues.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON: US business activity raced to a more than five-year high in September, fueled by a surge in new orders, though strong demand strained supply chains and pushed prices higher.",
  "key_points": [
    "US business activity hits five-year high in September",
    "Supply chain issues and inflation pressures building",
    "Federal Reserve raises interest rates to combat inflation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "US business activity hits five-year high but strong demand fuels inflation fears",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/us-business-activity-hits-five-year-high-but-strong-demand-fuels",
        "published": "2026-09-24T00:35:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Dollar perched at two-month high as hot PMI fuels inflation fears, rate hike bets",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/dollar-perched-at-two-month-high-as-hot-pmi-fuels-inflation-fears",
        "published": "2026-09-24T02:18:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "Dollar perched at two-month high as hot PMI fuels inflation fears, rate hike bets",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/dollar-perched-at-two-month-high-as-hot-pmi-fuels-inflation-fears-9473405",
        "published": "2026-09-24T02:56:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}