The ISM Manufacturing New Orders Index in the United States posted a slight gain in October 2026, suggesting that demand in the factory sector remains resilient. The index rose to 55.5 in October from 55.3 in September 2026, according to data updated on 2 November 2026.
While the 0.2-point increase is modest, the reading above the 50-point threshold continues to indicate expansion in new orders for manufactured goods. The back-to-back months above 55 imply a steady flow of incoming business for U.S. manufacturers heading into the final quarter of the year.
The October result reinforces the picture of a manufacturing sector that is growing at a measured pace rather than accelerating sharply, with firms still seeing healthy, if incremental, improvements in new demand compared with the prior month.