Economics
Manufacturing in U.S. Contracts at Fastest Pace Since 2009
- Orders, production cut as customers have too much inventory
- Exports contract for sixth straight month on strong dollar
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Manufacturing in the U.S. unexpectedly contracted in November at the fastest pace since the last recession as elevated inventories led to cutbacks in orders and production.
The Institute for Supply Management’s index dropped to 48.6, the lowest level since June 2009, from 50.1 in October, a report from the Tempe, Arizona-based group showed Tuesday. The November figure was weaker than the most pessimistic forecast in a Bloomberg survey. Readings less than 50 indicate contraction.