ISM Manufacturing PMI Improves to 59.9 in August

The U.S. manufacturing sector saw an improving level of business activity last month, according to data released today.

The manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) posted 59.9 in August, rising by 0.5% compared to 59.5 in july.

Further details of the publication revealed that the Employment Index declined to 49 from 52.9 and the Prices Paid Index retreated to 79.4 from 85.7. Finally, the New Orders Index rose to 66.7 from 64.9.