LIVE MARKETS-In like a lamb: S&P Global PMI shows factory activity expanded in December

Welcome to the home for real-time coverage of markets brought to you by Reuters reporters. You can share your thoughts with us at markets.research@thomsonreuters.com

IN LIKE A LAMB: S&P GLOBAL PMI SHOWS FACTORY ACTIVITY EXPANDED IN DECEMBER

Investors wrapped up the week and embarked on the new year with a lonely little morsel of economic data on U.S. factory activity.

S&P Global issued its final take on December's purchasing managers index (PMI) USMPMF=ECI, which printed at 51.8, unchanged from its initial "flash" reading of 51.9, but marking a 0.4-point deceleration from November.

A PMI reading north of 50 indicates monthly expansion; below that level signifies contraction.

Although manufacturers continued to ramp up production in December, suggesting the goods producing sector will have contributed to further robust economic growth in the fourth quarter, prospects for the start of 2026 are looking less rosy," writes Chris Williamson, S&P Global's chief business economist.

"A key factor causing concern over sales is the extent to which producers are having to pass higher costs on to customers in the form of raised prices, with higher costs continuing to be overwhelmingly blamed on tariffs."

On Monday, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) is slated to release its take on December manufacturing PMI, which analysts expect will hold steady at a contractive 48.2.

S&P Global is expected to release its final look at the services side of the PMI coin on Tuesday.

(Stephen Culp)

EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:

A GREEN START TO THE YEAR CLICK HERE

IN A PHOTO FINISH, GROWTH EDGED MOMENTUM IN 2025 CLICK HERE

A GOOD FIRST DAY COULD BE A BAD SIGN FOR THE YEAR CLICK HERE

DON'T EXPECT THE BOJ TO RUSH, SAY ING CLICK HERE

STRONG START TO 2026 CLICK HERE

EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: OFF WE GO AGAIN CLICK HERE