Markit PMI reading rounds off strongest quarter since crisis

[NEW YORK] America's manufacturing industry expanded in September, though a tad slower than during August, while employment in the sector grew at its best pace since March 2012, an industry report showed on Wednesday.

Financial data firm Markit said its final US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) turned down to 57.5 last month from 57.9 during August. The preliminary read for the index was 57.9.

A reading above 50 signals expansion in economic activity.