An index of U.S. manufacturing sentiment sank in April to its lowest level in six-and-a-half years.
Data released Friday revealed the flash manufacturing purchasing managers index from Markit fell to a reading of 50.8 in April from 51.5 in March, its the lowest level since September 2009.
Markit said softer rates of output and new business growth along with a weaker gain in employment were the main factors weighing on the index.
The flash estimate is usually based on approximately 85%-90% of total PMI survey responses every month.
Economists held out hope that manufacturing might be on the mend after the Institute of Supply Management index for March showed factory activity expanded for first time in the last six months in March.
The sector had been hurt by the strong U.S. dollar, weak global growth and excess supply.
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