FX.co ★ Australia’s Composite PMI Jumps to 55.7 in January, Signalling Stronger Private-Sector Expansion

Australia’s Manufacturing & Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) strengthened notably in January, with the composite reading rising to 55.70 from 51.00 previously, on a month-over-month basis. The data, updated on 03 February 2026, point to a solid acceleration in private-sector activity at the start of the year.

The move from just above the expansion threshold to a more firmly expansionary 55.70 suggests both manufacturing and services have gained momentum compared with the prior month. As both the “actual” and “previous” figures refer to January 2026 on a month-over-month comparison, the latest reading indicates that the pace of improvement in business conditions has picked up over the most recent period measured.

With a PMI level well above 50 typically interpreted as a sign of expanding activity, the January figures for Australia underline a more robust operating environment for firms across the manufacturing and services sectors, potentially setting a stronger tone for the early months of 2026.