ISM Shows Growth, Hits Eight-Month High

[Stocks-to-Watch]

The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index rose to 54.1% from 53.1% in December, coming in slightly below expectations for 54.5%, according to Marketwatch. The reading was the highest in eight months, and indicates that manufacturing activity continues to grow.

Manufacturing also showed recent growth in China, Germany, France and Britain, according to other reports.

“Manufacturing is starting out the year on a positive note, with new orders, production and employment all growing in January,” said Bradley Holcomb, who chairs the survey committee, in a statement.

Stocks, which were already trending higher, got another boost following the report and the Dow was recently trading about 140 points higher.



Original Article Source by Barrons.com