AMT’s Winter Economic Forum explored the current state of manufacturing, where order values hit record highs but the numbers of units per order have not. Read the recap, learn the prospects ahead, and discover the business opportunities with industrial AI.

The first estimate of gross domestic product for the fourth quarter of 2025 showed the U.S. economy growing at a 1.4% real annualized rate, driven by declines in government spending and exports, coupled with a deceleration of consumer spending.

With real-world use cases and tangible investments driving demand, AI is now practical, profitable, and reshaping the manufacturing landscape. At AMT's 2026 Winter Economic Forum, manufacturers explored the business opportunities this technology presents.

Industrial production increased 0.7% and capacity utilization increased by 0.5% across the U.S. economy from December 2025 to January 2026, according to the latest report issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

This article will showcase how AMT research services can provide members with concise, relevant, and timely industry updates when the next MTForecast conference is months away.

Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.

In a move widely telegraphed since their last meeting, the Federal Reserve today opted to leave the benchmark interest rates steady at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75% at their first meeting of 2026.

Industrial production increased 0.4% and capacity utilization increased by 0.2% across the U.S. economy from November to December 2025, according to the latest report issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

After ploughing through an extended drought of official statistics because of the government shutdown, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point for the third consecutive meeting, landing at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%.

U.S. manufacturing has entered a new age of prosperity, but will manufacturers maintain course to reach new heights, or fall into the trap of nostalgia for a mythologized past?