United States: ISM manufacturing index dips in January
The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) manufacturing index decreased from 58.8 in December to 57.6 in January. Consequently, the index remained above the 50-threshold but signaled a slightly weaker improvement in manufacturing activity over the previous month.
January’s marginally softer expansion was predominately driven by lower new orders and production growth relative to the previous month. That said, employment levels rose at a quicker rate in January. Meanwhile, price pressures increased at a faster pace in Janaury.