Foreign Exchange Market Update

August 17, 2026

New York Manufacturing Index Jumps to Over Four-Year High in August

New York manufacturing activity grew strongly in August, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Monday. The New York Fed said its general business conditions index climbed from 15.6 in July to 20.6 in August, with a positive reading indicating growth. With the increase, the New York Fed's general business conditions index reached its highest level since hitting 34.4 in December 2021.

The advance in the headline index came as the new orders and shipments index decreased, but continued solid growth in orders and shipments. The new orders index slid from 22.2 in July to 17.3 in August, while the shipments index tumbled from 24.4 in July to 11.7 in August. The number of employees index also slipped from 11.4 in July to 9.3 in August, although a positive reading still suggests an ongoing expansion of employment levels. While the report also said the prices received index fell from 27.6 in July to 22.7 in August, the prices paid index climbed from 52.3 in July to 58.6 in August.

Looking ahead, the New York Fed said firms maintained an optimistic outlook for business activity, with the index for future business conditions rising from 27.9 in July to 32.1 in August. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is scheduled to release its report on regional manufacturing in the month of August on Thursday. 08/17/2026 - 09:36:00 (RTTNews)

Japan

Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in the second quarter of 2026. Yearly, GDP was up 1.1% for an increase of 2.0% following the revised 1.9% gain in the three months prior (originally 1.8%). Capital expenditure dropped 1.2%, following the revised 1.0% decline in the previous quarter (originally -0.7%). External demand was up 0.5% in the quarter, up from 0.3% three months earlier. Private consumption was flat in the quarter after rising 0.5% in Q1. 08/16/2026 - 19:56:00 (RTTNews)

Japan's industrial production expanded more in June, reaching its highest level in five months. Industrial production rose 1.9% month-on-month in June, significantly outpacing the 0.1% increase in May. Shipments dropped 0.2% monthly in June, while inventories logged an increase of 2.8%.

Yearly, the decline in industrial production eased from 5.0% in May to 2.2%. The tertiary activity index dropped 0.2% monthly in June, in contrast to a stable 0.8% growth in May.

Among industries, retail trade, living and amusement-related services, utilities, real estate, business-related services, wholesale trade, and medical, healthcare, and welfare all decreased during June. 08/17/2026 - 02:40:00 (RTTNews)