US business activity moderates in April; firms demand higher prices for their products

U.S. business activity decelerated to a 16-month low in April, accompanied by soaring prices, intensifying stagflation fears due to tariffs. Trump's trade policies and immigration crackdown negatively impacted exports and tourism, leading to reluctance in hiring and diminished business confidence. The Composite PMI Output Index fell to 51.2, signaling tepid economic activity at the start of the second quarter.