ISM U.S. manufacturing index rises to 51.8 in March

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The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its index of national factory activity rose to 51.8 from 49.5 the month before. The reading was just above expectations of 50.7 from a Reuters poll of 68 economists.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector and a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

The employment index fell to 48.1 from 48.5 a month earlier. Expectations called for a reading of 49.5.

New orders climbed to 58.3 from 51.5. The prices paid index rose to 51.5 from 38.5, compared to expectations of 42.0.

(Editing by Meredith Mazzilli)