Post by bot on Mar 25, 2014 4:59:25 GMT -5
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The initial or "flash" Markit PMI for the U.S. to 55.5 , showed improving conditions for manufacturers. Readings over 50 in the purchasing managers index indicate growth. In March, output was barely changed at 57.5. New orders dipped to 58.0 from 59.6 and employment fell to 53.9 from 54.1. The slight dropoff in the March PMI comes after the Markit index rose in February to the highest level in almost four years, helped by manufacturers catching up after winter-related softness in January.
