The article talks about how the US economy is doing in July 2024. It says that the services sector, which includes businesses like restaurants, hotels, and online shopping, is doing very well. However, the manufacturing sector, which includes making things like cars and machines, is not doing so well and is contracting for the first time in six months.
The overall picture of the economy is good, but not perfect. The inflation, or the rise in prices of goods and services, is slowing down, which is good for the economy. However, some raw materials, shipping, and labor costs are still increasing, which could affect the prices of products and services in the future.
Some experts are calling this situation a "Goldilocks scenario", meaning it's a situation that is not too hot and not too cold, but just right. The economy is growing, but not too fast, and inflation is moderating, which means it's not rising too quickly.
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- Stronger-than-expected US private sector activity in July, led by a robust services sector, despite manufacturing contracting.
- Preliminary Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) increased to 55 in July, reaching its highest level since April 2022.
- Services PMI reached a 28-month high of 56, while Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.7, missing the anticipated 51.7 and returning to contractionary territory after two months of expansion.
- Economist Chris Williamson called the growth scenario a "Goldilocks scenario", with the economy growing at a robust pace while inflation moderates.
- The moderation in price increases aligns with the Fed's 2% target.
- Concerns remain over the uneven nature of growth and rising political uncertainty ahead of the presidential election.