Italy’s manufacturing confidence indicator rose to 91.9 in September 2026 from 90.2 in August, exceeding market expectations of 90.5 and reaching its highest level since April 2023. The improvement reflected stronger assessments of current demand and production conditions. Total-order assessments improved to -13.5 from -19.6, supported partly by a recovery in foreign orders to -19.1 from -23.4. Views on current production levels strengthened to -13.7 from -16.2. Employment prospects also improved to 3.3 from 1.5, pointing to firmer hiring intentions. However, production expectations eased to 8.9 from 9.6, while price expectations rose to 17.1 from 15.5, primarily following a recent surge in oil prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.