September Manufacturing Up, Highest in More than Two Years

According to an industry report, the U.S. manufacturing sector in September expanded at its fastest pace in almost 2-1/2 years.  Further, firms added the most workers in 15 months.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported that its index of national factory activity rose to 56.2 in September from 55.7 in August, marking its highest level since April, 2011.

Employment all rose to 55.4, its highest since June, 2012. It stood at 53.3 in August.

On the other side of the equation, manufacturing slowed in the spring and contracted in May, according to ISM.  The reasons cited included government spending cuts and weaker global demand for U.S. products.

Category: Featured, General Update