Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in October for the eighth consecutive month, following a two-month expansion preceded by 26 straight months of contraction, say the nation's supply executives in the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report. The report was issued today by Susan Spence, MBA, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "The Manufacturing PMI® registered 48.7 percent in October, a 0.4-percentage point decrease compared to the reading of 49.1 percent recorded in September. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 66th month ... (full story)

Manufacturing activity in the United States followed a downward trajectory in October compared to the month prior, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) announced in its report on Monday. The Manufacturing PMI stood at 48.7% in the reported month, falling 0.4% compared to September's figure of 49.1%. Meanwhile, the Employment Index increased 0.7% to 46%, while the Production Index retreated 2.8% to land at 48.2%. The New Orders Index was 0.5% higher compared to the previous month, settling at 49.4%, though it remained below the 50% threshold, indicating contraction. The Prices Index was 58%, decreasing 3.9% on a ... (full story)