The final reading from Markit

  • Prelim reading was 53.5
  • Prior was 53.1

The ISM number is due at the top of the hour and forecast at 56.4 after strong signs in the regional manufacturing data.

Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit had a downbeat take.

"US manufacturers rounded off a solid quarter which should see the sector rebound strongly from the steep second quarter downturn.

"Encouragingly, companies reported a marked upturn in demand for plant and machinery, which suggests firms are increasing their investment spending again after expansion plans were put on hold during the spring. Similarly, fuller order books helped drive further job creation as firms continued to expand capacity.

"But it was not all good news. Supply shortages worsened as companies increasingly struggled to source enough inputs to meet production requirements. With demand often exceeding supply, prices rose sharply again across many types of inputs, especially metals.

"Growth of new orders for consumer goods also waned during the month, hinting at some cooling of demand from households, commonly blamed on Covid-19. Overall order book inflows consequently slowed compared to August.

"The outlook also darkened, as companies grew more concerned about the sustained economic disruption from the pandemic alongside uncertainty caused by the upcoming presidential election. The sector therefore looks to be entering the fourth quarter on a slower growth trajectory, adding to signs that fourth quarter GDP growth will wane considerably from the third quarter rebound."