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2026-11-02 17:34:24
[South Africa's October Manufacturing PMI Rises to 49.6, Still in Contraction Territory] ⑴ South Africa's seasonally adjusted Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) improved for the second consecutive month in October 2026, rising to 49.6 from a revised 48.7 in September. ⑵ Despite the improvement, manufacturing activity remained in contraction territory for the fifth consecutive month, though the latest decline was the mildest in the series. ⑶ All five sub-indices rose, but overall business conditions remained weak. ⑷ The Business Activity Index rose slightly to 48.6 in October, following a stronger increase in September. ⑸ Meanwhile, the New Sales Orders Index continued to improve, rising for the second consecutive month to 46.8. The Export Sales Index also rose, approaching neutral levels. ⑹ The Purchasing Price Index rose to 73.7 from 71.1 in September, likely reflecting a sharp rise in fuel prices in early October and further weakening of the rand.
