United States: ISM manufacturing index rises slightly in August
The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) manufacturing index ticked down to 59.9 in August from 59.5 in July, consequently the index remained well-above the 50-threshold that separates expansion from contraction in the manufacturing sector.
August’s slightly stronger expansion was the result of faster growth in new orders and production. That said, employment levels decreased notably relative to the previous month. On the price front, input prices continued to rise on the back of higher raw material prices but at a slower rate compared to the month prior.