FX.co ★ Kansas Fed Manufacturing Activity Rises in September

The Kansas City Fed’s Manufacturing Production Index climbed to 20 in September 2026—its highest level since April 2022—up from 17 in August. Output rose in both durable and nondurable goods, led in particular by plastics and rubber products, as well as furniture-related manufacturing. Overall monthly activity strengthened, with the shipments index increasing to 21 from 17 and the new orders index rising to 24 from 16, both reaching multi-month highs. Employment was unchanged for the second consecutive month. Price pressures intensified, especially for raw materials. On a year-over-year basis, the Manufacturing Production Index eased slightly to 19, while the shipments index rose to 23 from 13 and the new orders index edged down to 22 from 23. Price pressures continued to pick up, and employment weakened, falling to -3 from 5. Looking ahead, activity is expected to remain in expansionary territory over the next six months, though the forward-looking index dipped to 9 from 20.