Below expectations (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - New York, 03 Sep - The Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index rose to 47.2 in August from 46.8 in July.

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in August for the fifth consecutive month and the 21st time in the last 22 months, ISM said.

Expectations were for a reading of 47.5.

Any reading over 50.0 indicates growth.

The new orders index fell to 44.6 from 47.4 the previous month while the production index fell to 44.8 from 45.9 in July. The prices index increased to 54.0 in August from 52.9 in July and the employment index in August expanded to 46.0 from 43.4 in July.

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(RADIOCOR) 03-09-24 16:12:26 (0396) 5 NNNN