Data released Friday showed U.S. manufacturing activity in September grew at the slowest pace in three months as purchasing managers blamed limp new orders and the strong U.S. dollar.
The Markit flash U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 51.4 in September from 52, marking the lowest level since June. Any reading above 50 indicates improving conditions — as has been the case for the last seven years.
That said, Markit said the PMI reading was close to the post-crisis low of 50.7, reached in May
The so-called flash reading is based on the response of 85%-90% of respondents.
