US business activity hits a five-year high

Sep 23, 2026

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.

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