TEMPE, AZ – New orders for manufactured goods were up slightly in November, and production grew 2.3 points to 51.9%. The new orders index stood at 52.6%, above the 50% threshold, signaling expansion, the ISM trade group reported Tuesday.

The November PMI, a measure of the nation’s productivity, was down 10 basis points sequentially. Inventories were down 30 basis points at 46.9%; customer inventories dropped five points to 49%. Backlogs decreased 4.5 points to 41.5%.
 
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in November for the 10th consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 73rd consecutive month, says ISM.