US factory activity slows in August

Published Fri, Aug 21, 2015 · 02:05 PM
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[NEW YORK] Growth in the US manufacturing sector slowed to its weakest pace in almost two years in August, according to an industry report released on Friday.

Financial data firm Markit said its preliminary US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 52.9 in August, its lowest since Oct 2013, from a final July reading of 53.8. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the August figure would be 54.0.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector.

Job creation also slowed in August, with the index at 52.2, its weakest since July 2014, down from a final July reading of 53.8. "August's survey highlights a lack of growth momentum and continued weak price pressures across the US manufacturing sector, which adds some fuel to the dovish argument as policymakers weigh up tightening policy in September," said Tim Moore, senior economist at Markit.

"According to survey respondents, the strong dollar continued to put pressure on export sales and competitiveness, while heightened global economic uncertainty appeared to have dampened client spending both at home and abroad." The index's output component fell to 53.7, its lowest since January 2014, from the July final reading of 55.3.

The manufacturing sector Purchasing Managers' Index is compiled by information services company Markit.

REUTERS

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