The Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing Index slipped to 55.5 in December, down 3.2 points from November’s 58.7 level, indicating continued but slower growth. Many components of the index also fell including New Orders, Production, Backlog of Orders, Exports and Imports. Among the factors influencing the survey, as cited by respondents, were falling energy prices and slow downs at West Coast ports. Over 60% of the 18 manufacturing industries surveyed reported growth, but six indicated contraction including Plastics & Rubber Products, Machinery and Chemical Products. See the full report here.
