ISM: Manufacturing Sector Expands in December

Tempe, AZ, January 3, 2007–The manufacturing sector expanded again in December following a rare contraction in November, according to an Institute for Supply Management report.

The ISM manufacturing sentiment index rose to 51.4% from 49.5% in November. Readings over 50% indicate the sector is growing. Economists were expecting the index to remain below 50% at 49.5%.

The ISM index is considered to be one of the best real-time economic indicators.

The production index rose to 51.8%, the new orders index rose to 52.1%, and the prices paid index fell to 47.5%.