U.S. factory output unexpectedly fell 0.3% in August after seven consecutive months of growth, following an unadjusted 0.2% increase in July. Economists had forecast a 0.3% gain. Output was up 0.9% year-on-year. Expansion in the artificial intelligence sector continued to provide support to manufacturing activity.

2026-09-18

U.S. factory output unexpectedly fell 0.3% in August after seven consecutive months of growth, following an unadjusted 0.2% increase in July. Economists had forecast a 0.3% gain. Output was up 0.9% year-on-year. Expansion in the artificial intelligence sector continued to provide support to manufacturing activity.