ISM Factory Index Dips in September

The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index declined in September, ISM said Monday.

ISM’s factory index dropped to 52 from a reading of 52.9 in August, the group said. Readings above 50 indicate expansion.

Economists had predicted the index would fall to 52.6, Bloomberg reported.

The production index dipped to 54.6 from 56.1, while new orders dropped to 53.4 — the lowest since March — from 55.3, ISM said.

The factory sector is one of trucking’s largest and most important customers.