The Ai Group Australian Industry Index rose +5.8 pts to -3.2 in July, its highest level in three years, led by gains in services and construction, though manufacturing remained deeply in contraction.

• The Australian PMI (manufacturing) improved +4.9 pts but stayed weak at -23.9, while the PCI (construction) rose +12.6 pts to -1.3.

• Activity/sales rose +6.1 pts to -8.1, marking the best level since August 2022.
• New Orders rebounded +6.8 pts to -4.9, continuing a gradual uptrend since mid-2024.
• Employment was steady, down just -1.8 pts to -4.0, reflecting persistent hiring challenges.

• Input prices surged +11.1 pts to 47.9 while sales prices edged down -1.1 pts to 4.6, widening margin pressures amid rising average wages (+4.5 pts to 42.4).