In April, the Institute for Supply Management's purchasing managers index indicated expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 11th consecutive month. All indicators were in expansionary territory, with employment registering the largest month-over-month percentage point increase of 3.6. The supplier delivery times index rose, indicating that purchasing managers are waiting longer to receive their supply orders. Of the industries surveyed, 17 of 18 reported growth during the month, with the exception of nonmetallic mineral products.
