The Flash United States PMI Composite Output Index, which takes both, the services and the manufacturing business activity into account, stood at 52.3 in January, climbing by 1.4 index points in comparison to the previous month and representing the highest reading in seven months, according to a preliminary report published by S&P Global on Wednesday.
In January, the Manufacturing PMI increased by 2.4 index points to stand at 50.3, the highest figure in 15 months, while the Services Business Activity Index landed at a seven-month high of 52.9, after increasing by 1.5 index points from the month prior. The Manufacturing Output Index improved by 0.6 index points to 48.7, hitting a two-month high.
"An encouraging start to the year is indicated for the US economy by the flash PMI data, with companies reporting a marked acceleration of growth alongside a sharp cooling of inflation pressures," S&P Global Market Intelligence's Chief Business Economist Chris Williamson noted.