Manufacturing Continues Expanding in December

Washington, DC, Jan. 3, 2011 -- Manufacturing in the U.S. continued to grow in December for the 17th straight month, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

ISM said its index of factory activity rose to 57.0% in December from 56.6% in November, although economists expected a reading of 57.5%.

Readings over 50% indicate that more firms are growing than contracting.