Manufacturing Back to Expansion in September

Washington, DC, Oct. 1, 2012 -- Manufacturing in the U.S. expanded in September for the first time in four months, according to the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing gauge.

The index rose to 51.5 last month from 49.6 in August, the highest reading since May. Economists had expected the index to read 49.7. Readings over 50 indicate that more manufacturers are expanding than contracting.

The ISM's new-orders index jumped to 52.3 from 47.1.