Manufacturing Continues To Expand in April

Washington, DC, May 1, 2014 -- U.S. manufacturing expanded in April at the fastest pace since the end of last year, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

ISM said its manufacturing index rose to 54.9% last month from 53.7% in March, marking the highest level since December.

Readings above 50 indicate expansion.

ISM's new-orders index was flat at 55.1%, while production fell to 55.7% from 55.9%.