Below expectations (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - New York, 01 Aug - The Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index fell to 46.8 in July from 48.5 in June, indicating a fourth consecutive month of contraction and the 20th time in the last 21 months.

Expectations were for a reading of 48.8.

Any reading over 50.0 indicates growth.

The new orders index slipped to 47.4 from 49.3 the previous month while the production index fell to 45.6 from 48.5 in June.

The prices index increased to 52.9 from 52.1 while the employment index in July dropped to 43.4 from 49.3 the previous month.

AAA-Zap

(RADIOCOR) 01-08-24 16:09:54 (0610) 5 NNNN