Manufacturing Expands for 27th Straight Month

Tempe, AZ, Nov. 1, 2011 -- Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in October for the 27th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 29th consecutive month, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

The PMI registered 50.8 percent, a decrease of 0.8 percentage point from September's reading of 51.6 percent, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 27th consecutive month.

The new orders index increased 2.8 percentage points from September to 52.4 percent, indicating a return to growth after three months of contraction.

Inventories decreased to 46.7 percent, which is 5.3 percentage points below the September reading of 52 percent.