Inflation

Tempe, Ariz. – November 02, 2026 -- The ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.5 percent in October from 54.5 percent in September, marking the 10th consecutive month of expansion in U.S. manufacturing. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported that the overall economy has now expanded for 24 consecutive months.

Production Index jumps 2.3 points to 59 percent, highest since November 2021

The Production Index rose from 56.7 percent to 59 percent, its highest reading since November 2021 (60.5 percent). It has expanded for 12 months in a row, and the ratio of positive to negative comments improved to 2-to-1 from 1.6-to-1 in September.

The New Orders Index expanded for the 10th straight month after four consecutive contraction readings, registering 55.5 percent versus 55.3 percent in September. The Backlog of Orders Index fell 1.8 points to 54.6 percent. The New Export Orders Index gained 0.3 point to 51.2 percent.

Mainz – October 29, 2026 -- Credit insurer Coface downgraded the country risk ratings of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and expects the Middle East conflict alone to cut global growth by a combined 0.5 percentage points in 2026 and 2027. The rating changes, covering seven economies in total, come as escalating geopolitical tensions push up energy, commodity and financing costs.

Oil up more than 50%, gas prices nearly double

Renewed fighting between Iran and the United States and further escalation between Russia and Ukraine have strained global supply chains. Energy prices have climbed sharply despite a clear recovery in oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and the rerouting of trade flows. Coface economist Markus Kuger said oil has risen by more than 50 percent, natural gas prices have almost doubled and industrial metals remain expensive.

Macon, Ga. – October 13, 2026 -- KaMin and CADAM will raise prices on their kaolin products by up to 9.5% effective October 13, 2026, with the size of the increase depending on grade and region.

Inflation across mining, materials and labor outpaces cost savings

The companies cite broad inflationary pressure across mining, purchased raw materials and labor. Significant increases in energy costs are also hitting the business, they said.

KaMin and CADAM say efficiency improvements and cost-control initiatives have not kept pace. Inflationary pressures continue to exceed those savings, which the companies describe as making the adjustment necessary to sustain product quality, supply reliability and long-term customer support. The cost categories they name as rising are mining, energy, chemicals, logistics, environmental and regulatory.

Wiesbaden – September 16, 2026 -- Germany's annual inflation rate climbed to 2.9% in August 2026, up from 2.8% in July and 2.3% in June, driven largely by an energy price shock tied to the Iran war, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) confirmed. Consumer prices rose 0.2% month-on-month, matching the preliminary reading.

Energy prices post the sharpest annual jump in over three years

Overall energy costs rose 10.5% year-on-year in August, up from 8.3% in July, marking the steepest increase since February 2023's 19.1% spike. Fuel prices led the surge, up 27.7% year-on-year and 3.1% month-on-month, with diesel climbing 6.4% and premium gasoline 2.1% versus July. Light heating oil rose 49.6% annually and 6.5% on the month.