26.03.202615:00:00UTC+00US Manufacturing Momentum Builds as KC Fed Composite Index Nearly Doubles in March

The Kansas City Federal Reserve’s Composite Index for the United States climbed sharply in March 2026, signaling a notable improvement in regional manufacturing and overall economic activity. The index rose to 11 in March from a reading of 5 in February 2026, according to data updated on 26 March 2026.

This jump suggests that business conditions in the Kansas City Fed’s district strengthened at a solid pace over the month, with the composite measure moving further into positive territory. The March reading of 11 indicates a faster expansion than in February, potentially reflecting stronger demand, improved output, or more optimistic business sentiment across the region.

While the data reflect only one Federal Reserve district, the acceleration from 5 to 11 in a single month will draw attention from analysts watching for signs of broader momentum in U.S. economic activity heading into the spring of 2026.