AI Data Insight
In the third quarter of 2026, the US ISM Manufacturing Inventories index stood at 51.2, dipping slightly from 51.4 in the second quarter, but remaining steadily above the boom-or-bust line. The headline Manufacturing PMI significantly outperformed market expectations, reflecting AI investments and geopolitically-driven front-loading. With customers' inventories still at low levels, this is expected to continue providing momentum for future production and inventory replenishment.