U.S. manufacturing activity showed signs of continued contraction in August, with the Institute for Supply Management's index falling to 47.2%, below the breakeven point of 50% and the Dow Jones estimate of 47.9%. This slowdown raises concerns about the economy's health, as demand remains weak and companies hesitate to invest amid uncertainties. In Spain, the manufacturing sector also experienced diminished growth, with its Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropping to 50.5, indicating a near contraction level despite new orders increasing. Employment in Spain's manufacturing declined for the first time since January, and overall business confidence hit an eight-month low, reflecting broader European economic challenges. Analysts warn of stagnation in both the U.S. and Spanish manufacturing sectors, suggesting potential implications for global economic stability. These trends may influence central banks' monetary policies, with expectations for interest rate cuts in the U.S. increasing following the weak manufacturing data.