Institute Of Supply Management Manufacturing Sample Declines

After skirting right at the breakeven 50 line since September, ISM's manufacturing index broke below in November to 48.6 which is more than 1 point below Econoday's low-end estimate and the lowest reading since June 2009. The decline includes a significant dip for new orders which are down 4.0 points to 48.9 and the lowest reading since August 2012. At 43.0, backlog orders are in a six-month streak of contraction. With orders down, ISM's sample cut back on production, down nearly 4 points to 49.2, and cut back on inventories, down 3.5 points to 43.0. Employment firmed but remains soft at 51.3. This report is closely watched and will raise expectations for a quick reversal in the factory sector which, in October at least, showed glimpses of strength.

Recent History Of This Indicator:
The ISM manufacturing index is expected to hold above breakeven 50 in November but just barely, at 50.5 for what would be a small gain from October's 50.1. But even a small gain in this report would extend an emerging run of strength in the sector led by the November industrial production report and followed last week by October durable goods.