The Kansas City Fed’s Manufacturing Production Index rose to 4 in September 2025 from 0 in August, signaling a modest expansion in factory activity. Durable manufacturing grew slightly, while nondurable output declined, weighed down by chemical production and printing. Most month-over-month indicators were positive. Employment (7 vs 0 in August), and shipments (7 vs 6) increased, while new orders (2 vs 5), prices received for finished goods (13 vs 21), prices paid for raw materials (40 vs 43), and supplier delivery times (4 vs 7) eased slightly but remained positive. Backlogs of orders (-13 vs -15) and new export orders (-9 vs -15) remained in contraction. Looking ahead, the future composite index fell to 7 from 11, reflecting softer expectations for production and new orders in the months ahead.