rose at the fastest pace in more than five years as robust demand pushed up new orders and employment at manufacturers and service providers. The S&P Global flash US composite climbed to 58.4 in September, according to data released Wednesday. That was the highest since July 2021.




Figures above 50 indicate expansion.




Employment surged at a rate not seen in over four years, while input prices grew at the fastest pace since 2022.




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Respondents primarily blamed higher fuel and transport costs, though a pickup in wages was also noted by many firms. "Business is clearly booming now in both manufacturing and services," Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said in a statement.