Manufacturing Keeps Expanding in March

Washington, DC, April 1, 2014 -- U.S. manufacturing continued to expand in March at a higher pace than in February, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

ISM said its index rose to 53.7% from 53.2% in February. Readings over 50% indicate more companies are expanding instead of shrinking.

The employment measure fell 1.2 points to 51.1%, but the new-orders index rose to 55.1% from 54.5%, while the production gauge rose to 55.9% from 48.2%.