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The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index eased half a point to 48.2, according to data released Dec. 1. The measure has been below 50 for nine straight months.

A gauge of present conditions increased to an eight-month high. The group’s measure of expectations for the next six months edged to an almost three-year high.

U.S. manufacturing activity shrank in September for a sixth month, reflecting weak orders and declining employment.

The U.S. trade deficit widened in July by less than forecast, reflecting an increase in exports of cars and services.

Production at U.S. factories fell in March for the first time this year as companies show signs of ratcheting back investment plans.

U.S. business activity steadied in February as the service sector regained its footing, suggesting a resilient economy that is keeping some pricing power intact.

A U.S. services gauge unexpectedly shrank at the end of 2022, with steep declines in measures of business activity and orders that, if sustained, risk heightening concerns about the demand outlook.

U.S. factory output rose in October by less than expected after downward revisions to prior months, suggesting manufacturing is losing some steam as domestic and global demand moderates.

U.S. business activity contracted in October for a fourth consecutive month as concerns about inflation and sluggish demand weighed on the outlook.

U.S. business activity contracted in September for a third straight month, though at a more moderate pace as a pickup in orders and a further softening of inflation allayed concerns of a more-pronounced pullback.