01.10.202607:45:00UTC+00Italy’s Factory Activity Edges Back to Expansion as September PMI Climbs to 50.4

Italy’s manufacturing sector moved back into expansion territory in September, as the HCOB Italy Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.4. The latest reading, covering September 2026, compares with 49.6 in August 2026, when the index was still signaling a mild contraction.

Crossing the 50-point threshold is significant for investors and policymakers, as it typically marks the boundary between contraction and expansion in manufacturing activity. The improvement from August to September suggests a modest strengthening in factory conditions, hinting at stabilizing demand and a slightly more positive outlook for Italy’s industrial base.

The data, updated on 1 October 2026, will likely be watched closely by markets as they assess whether this uptick marks the start of a more durable recovery in Italy’s manufacturing sector or a temporary rebound within a still-fragile environment.