Factory Activity Slows

 

Nov. 1, 2006 -- Growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector last month fell to its slowest pace in over three years, the Institute of Supply Management reported today.

Fewer new orders and a downturn in production put the factory activity index at 51.2 in October, down from 52.9 in September, the Tempe, Ariz.-based research group said.

Despite the slowdown, apparel, electronics, and furniture manufacturers all reported stronger growth last month, the report said.


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