According to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business, economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in October for the second consecutive month following three months of slight contraction, and the overall economy grew for the 41st consecutive month.
Of the 18 manufacturing industries, eight are reporting growth in October: Petroleum and coal Products; furniture and related Products; apparel, Leather and allied Products; Paper Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; food, Beverage and tobacco Products; plastics and rubber Products; and Chemical Products.
The eight industries reporting contraction in October—listed in order—are Primary Metals, Wood Products, machinery, Fabricated Metal Products, Transportation Equipment, Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components, computer and electronic Products, and Nonmetallic Mineral Products.