ISM Beats Forecasts as US Manufacturing Expands but Warning Signs Flash

U.S. factory activity continued to gain traction in March, signaling a resilient industrial sector despite mounting global uncertainty. The latest data showed manufacturing growth accelerating slightly, reaching its strongest level since mid-2022. Production picked up at a notable pace, helping sustain overall expansion, even as other components of the sector …

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Steel Strikes: How the US-Israeli War Delivered a Severe Blow to Iran’s Economy

In late March and early April 2026, amid the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, airstrikes targeted two of Iran’s largest steel production complexes. The attacks hit Mobarakeh Steel near Isfahan — the biggest steel producer in the Middle East — and Khuzestan Steel in Ahvaz. These …

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US Jobs Surprise to the Upside: ADP Signals Stronger-Than-Expected Private Payroll Growth

U.S. private-sector hiring showed modest resilience in March, with job gains exceeding expectations despite a slight slowdown from the previous month. According to Automatic Data Processing, private employers added 62,000 jobs in March, following a revised increase of 66,000 in February. The latest reading came in above market forecasts of …

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Canada’s Economy Posts Modest Growth as Energy and Construction Offset Manufacturing Weakness

Canada’s economy began the year on a steady footing, with modest growth supported by strength in energy and construction, even as manufacturing activity declined. According to Statistics Canada, real gross domestic product rose 0.1% in January, following a revised 0.2% increase in December. The reading came slightly above expectations, indicating …

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