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ISM Manufacturing PMI rises to 48.7 in August as contraction persists

The index increased 0.7 points, marking the second improvement this year, yet manufacturing has contracted in 32 of the past 34 months; the Employment Index edged up 0.4 points to 43.8.

Summary

ISM Manufacturing PMI rose by 0.7 points in August to 48.7, the second improvement this year. Despite the uptick, manufacturing has contracted in 32 of the past 34 months. The Employment Index increased by 0.4 points to 43.8.

Terms & Concepts
  • ISM Manufacturing PMI: A monthly gauge of U.S. manufacturing activity; the cited reading was 48.7 in August after a 0.7-point rise.
  • Employment Index: A sub-index tracking manufacturing employment conditions; it rose 0.4 points to 43.8.
  • Manufacturing recession: A period of ongoing declines in manufacturing activity; referenced alongside repeated monthly contractions.