AI Data Insight
The US ISM Manufacturing Backlog of Orders Index for May 2026 (Q2 2026) rose to 52.2, continuing its moderate expansion from the previous value of 51.4. Driven by the AI infrastructure investment boom and companies stocking up in advance, both new orders and backlogs of orders grew simultaneously. Although the short-term momentum for capacity expansion is strong, elevated supply chain costs and inflation pressures still pose hidden concerns for the medium-term economic outlook.