EconomyGerman Manufacturing Boost, French Businesses Hit by Heatwave | The Pulse, Aug. 21, 2026

Germany’s manufacturing sector had its strongest performance in more than four years in August, helping overall business activity grow for a second consecutive month. France’s private sector unexpectedly weakened as extreme summer heat hurt services. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he was ready to expand efforts to buy back more expensive debt, while the administration plans a new fiscal initiative.