Manufacturing Activity Flat in July

Washington, DC, Aug. 1, 2008--U.S. manufacturing activity was flat in July, the Institute for Supply Management reported Friday.

The ISM manufacturing index was 50 in July, indicating an equal number of firms said business was growing or slowing. The June index was 50.2. It's been near 50 for 10 straight months.

Six of 18 industries were expanding in July. The new-orders index fell to 45  from 49.6, indicating fewer orders. The employment index rose to 51.9 from 43.7, a sign of stronger hiring.