Manufacturing growth continues apace

[NEW YORK] The US manufacturing sector expanded in September, matching the previous month's growth rate, which had been the fastest in more than four years, while employment levels among goods producers rose to a 21/2-year high, an industry report showed on Tuesday.

Financial data firm Markit said its preliminary or "flash" US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) was unchanged from August's reading of 57.9, the highest since April 2010. Economists polled by Reuters had expected it to edge up to 58.

A reading above 50 signals expansion in economic activity.