Manufacturing Expansion Slows in December

Washington, DC, Jan. 2, 2015 -- Growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector slowed in December, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

ISM said its index of manufacturing activity fell to 55.5 from 58.7 the month before.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The new orders index fell to 57.3 from 66. The prices paid gauge was down to a reading of 38.5 from 44.5, compared with expectations for a reading of 43.