Economic Buzz: US ISM manufacturing index edges lower in October

Manufacturing activity in the U.S. unexpectedly contracted at a slightly faster rate in the month of October, according to a report released by the Institute for Supply Management on Monday.

The ISM said its manufacturing PMI slipped to 48.7 in October after edging up to 49.1 in September, with a reading below 50 indicating contraction.

The unexpected dip by the headline index came amid a downturn by production, as the production index slid to 48.2 in October from 51.0 in September.

Meanwhile, the report said the new orders index crept up to 49.4 in October in 48.9 in September, and the backlog of orders index rose to 47.9 in October from 46.2 in September.

The ISM said the employment index also inched up to 46.0 in October from 45.3 in September, although the reading below 50 still indicates a decrease in employment in the manufacturing sector.

On the inflation front, the report said the prices index fell to 58.0 in October from 61.9 in September, indicating a slowdown in the pace of price growth.

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