America’s factories expanded less than forecast in April as measures of orders and employment pulled back, Institute for Supply Management data showed on Monday.
ISM’s index eased to 54.8 (forecast called for 56.5) from March’s 57.2; readings above 50 indicate expansion.
Measure of orders dropped to 57.5 in April from 64.5.
Prices-paid index declined to 68.5 from 70.5.
Factory employment gauge retreated to 52 from 58.9 the prior month.
