Manufacturing Continues Growth in September

Washington, DC, Oct. 1, 2010--Manufacturing activity grew more slowly in September although the sector is still expanding, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

The ISM index of factory activity fell to 54.4 in September from 56.3 in August. ISM was expected to decline to 54.0, according to economists.

Readings over 50 indicate that more firms are growing than contracting. The ISM employment index dropped to 56.5 from 60.4% in August and the new orders index fell to 51.1 from 53.1, but the prices index jumped to 70.5 from 61.5.