US business activity hits a five-year high
The US economy is running hot, with growth and hiring picking up sharply — good news for workers, but bad news for anyone hoping the Fed keeps cutting rates.
- Business activity grew for a fourth straight month in September, the fastest pace in over five years.
- Factories are producing more again after a weak stretch.
- Hiring jumped to the strongest pace in four years.
- Supply chain bottlenecks are back, which pushes prices up.
- Big companies are capturing most of the gains, and AI is likely to widen that gap.
Outlook: If the economy keeps running this hot, pressure builds on the Fed to stop cutting and consider raising rates instead.