Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in March, and the overall economy grew for the 107th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. The report was issued today by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee: “The March PMI® registered 59.3 percent, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the February reading of 60.8 percent. The New Orders Index registered 61.9 percent, a decrease of 2.3 percentage points from the February reading of 64.2 percent. The ... (full story)

A monthly measure of U.S. manufacturing activity decelerated more than economists predicted in March, while still maintaining a 19-month streak of overall growth. The Institute of Supply Management's index of manufacturing activity 59.3 in March, a larger tick downward from the prior month's 60.8 reading than expected. A survey of Reuters economists forecast March manufacturing to reach 60. A reading above 50 for the index indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector, and a reading below 50 signals contraction. U.S. construction spending rose less than expected in February amid a steep decline in investment in ... (full story)