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.
 
“The rate of growth in the sector was down slightly compared to October,” said ISM spokesman Norbert J. Ore. “While other segments of the economy are struggling, manufacturing continues to grow due to continuing strength in new orders, and a recovery in production from last month. Prices, driven higher by energy prices, are once again the major concern."