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Data from FMP. Forecasts by Sigmanomics Forecast Engine.
United StatesUS Capacity Utilization climbed to 76.9% in September 2026
FMPMonthlyReleased October 2026
US Capacity Utilization climbed to 76.9% in September 2026, released October 2026, up 0.5% from August's 76.4% reading. The reading matched the 76.5% consensus. Over the past 3 months, Capacity Utilization averaged 76.3%, vs 76.13% in the prior 3-month window. Capacity Utilization is now the highest in 10 months.
Latest Release
76.9
Actual
76.5
Consensus
76.4
Previous
Median Absolute Error
±0.14 percentage points
across last 12 releases
Last Call
Oct 2026
Predicted: 76.51
Actual: 76.9
Error: -0.39
Sigmacast Σ-direction model: consensus + ½ × mean(surprise, trailing 90d).
CORRELATED SYMBOLS— markets that historically move with this indicator
| Symbol | Direction | Correlation | Asset Class | Co-movement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/CAD | ▲ Direct | +0.37 | FOREX | Moves with | → View |
| NZD/USD | ▼ Inverse | −0.28 | FOREX | Moves against | → View |
| BTC/USD | ▼ Inverse | −0.27 | CRYPTO | Moves against | → View |
| USD/JPY | ▲ Direct | +0.26 | FOREX | Moves with | → View |
| S&P 500 | ▼ Inverse | −0.25 | INDEX | Moves against | → View |
Correlation based on 12-month rolling window. Click any symbol to view its Sigmanomics forecast page.
THE RELEASE
Capacity Utilization (United States) was reported at 76.9% in October 2026. This beat the market consensus of 76.5% by 0.4%. The reading rose from the previous value of 76.4%. Trailing 12-month context per ETL data through October 2026. Over the past 12 months, the indicator has averaged 76.18%, ranging from 75.63% to 76.9% across 22 releases.
WHY IT MATTERS
The trailing three releases averaged 76.68%, up from the prior three at 76.27%. Volatility over the past year (σ 0.3%) is lower than the prior year (σ 15.39%). In October readings over the past 3 years, Capacity Utilization has averaged 76.35%.
THE MODEL'S TAKE
Historically, this indicator is positively correlated with USD/CAD (Bullish USD). Over the last 12 releases, the Sigmacast model's median absolute error is 0.14%.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
The next release is scheduled for November 17, 2026. Same-country events in the next 14 days include Initial Jobless Claims (Oct 29) and GDP Price Index QoQ (Oct 29).
Auto-generated from current model state · Refreshes on each release · Last update October 2026.
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Capacity Utilization - US
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About Capacity Utilization — United States
DEFINITION
Capacity Utilization is a financial indicator that measures the extent to which a company or industry is utilizing its maximum production capacity. It is calculated by dividing the actual output by the potential output and is expressed as a percentage. This indicator provides valuable insights into the efficiency and productivity of a business, as well as its potential for growth and expansion. A high capacity utilization rate indicates that a company is operating at optimal levels, while a low rate may suggest room for improvement and potential cost savings. Overall, capacity utilization is a key metric for assessing the overall health and performance of a company or industry.
WHY THIS INDICATOR MATTERS
This release contributes to the broader macro picture used by cross-asset investors for positioning and risk management. Surprises against consensus can drive short-term moves, particularly when the print breaks an established trend. Released monthly.
WHAT CHANGED THIS MONTH
Latest reading (Sep 2026): actual 76.85 Percent. Prior reading (Aug 2026): 76.42 Percent. Before that (Jul 2026): 76.33 Percent.
WHAT'S NEXT
Sigmacast's 1-month forecast points to a similar reading versus the latest print, with the 3-month outlook reinforcing that direction. Both horizons are aligned bullish for this indicator, suggesting a consistent trend signal. Trend-driven dynamics are the primary tailwind in the current projection.
Σ
EXPECTED ZONE
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Economic Calendar - US Events
| Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | Actual | Previous | Consensus | Sigmanomics Rolling-Surprise Forecast | Impact | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30 | US | Wholesale Inventories MoM | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.55 | Medium |
| 12:30 | US | Retail Inventories Ex Autos MoM | 0.4 | 0.1 | -0.1 | 0.15 | Medium |
| 12:30 | US | Goods Trade Balance | -134.9 | -132.07 | -130 | -132.45 | High |
| 14:30 | US | EIA Distillate Stocks Change | -1.462 | 1.675 | -0.9 | -1.18 | Low |
| 14:30 | US | EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change | -1.892 | -3.061 | 0 | -0.95 | Medium |
| 14:30 | US | EIA Gasoline Stocks Change | 3.87 | -2.952 | -0.9 | 1.49 | Medium |
| 18:00 | US | Fed Interest Rate Decision | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.00 | High |
| Thursday, October 29, 2026 | Actual | Previous | Consensus | Sigmanomics Rolling-Surprise Forecast | Impact | ||
| 12:30 | US | Initial Jobless Claims | 194 | 199 | 197.50 | High | |
| 12:30 | US | GDP Price Index QoQ | 6.1 | 3.2 | 4.55 | Medium | |
| 12:30 | US | Core PCE Price Index MoM | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.25 | High | |
| 12:30 | US | PCE Price Index YoY | 3.4 | 3.6 | 3.60 | Medium | |
| 12:30 | US | Personal Income MoM | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.25 | High | |
| 12:30 | US | PCE Price Index MoM | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.50 | Medium | |
| 12:30 | US | Core PCE Price Index YoY | 3 | 3.1 | 3.10 | High | |
| 12:30 | US | Jobless Claims 4-Week Average | 197.75 | 197 | 193.38 | High | |
| 12:30 | US | Continuing Jobless Claims | 1728 | 1720 | 1711.00 | High | |
| 12:30 | US | Real Consumer Spending QoQ | 3.8 | 3.9 | 5.30 | Low | |
| 12:30 | US | GDP Sales QoQ | 2.8 | 3.5 | 3.90 | Low | |
| 12:30 | US | Personal Spending MoM | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.60 | High | |
| 12:30 | US | GDP Growth Rate QoQ | 2.2 | 3.2 | 2.90 | High | |
| 12:30 | US | Core PCE Prices QoQ | 3.3 | 2.4 | 2.35 | Low | |
| 12:30 | US | PCE Prices QoQ | 5 | 3.4 | 3.95 | Low | |
| 14:30 | US | EIA Natural Gas Stocks Change | 77 | 75 | 71.50 | Low | |