US manufacturing grows at fastest pace since June

[jaxx]

May 1, 12:10 PM EDT
US manufacturing grows at fastest pace since June
By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. manufacturing grew last month at the fastest pace in 10 months. New orders, production and a measure of hiring all rose.

The strength at U.S. factories suggests the economy is healthier than recent data had indicated. That's a hopeful sign ahead of Friday's report on hiring in April.

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, said Tuesday that its index of manufacturing activity reached 54.8 in April. That's the highest level since June and up from 53.4 the previous month. Readings above 50 indicate expansion.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/U...TE=DEFAULT

Growth means jobs. Keep it coming.