ISM: Manufacturing Sector Grew in March
Manufacturing activity expanded in March for the 32nd consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 34th consecutive month, says the latest Manufacturing Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Report on Business.
The March PMI registered 53.4 percent, an increase of 1 percentage point when compared to February's reading of 52.4 percent. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.
"The PMI registered 53.4 percent, an increase of 1 percentage point from February's reading of 52.4 percent, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 32nd consecutive month. The Production Index increased 3 percentage points from February's reading of 55.3 percent to 58.3 percent, and the Employment Index increased 2.9 percentage points to 56.1 percent. Of the 18 industries included in the survey, 15 are experiencing overall growth. Comments from the panel remain positive, with several respondents citing increased sales and demand for the next few months," said Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.
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