U.S. Manufacturing Has Worst Quarter in Three Years

Falling demand from overseas blamed

(Reuters)—U.S. manufacturing ended its worst quarter in three years in September as foreign demand for U.S. goods fell sharply, an industry survey showed on Monday.

The final Markit U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index fell to 51.1 in September from 51.5 in August, and averaged 51.4 in the third quarter. Both the monthly and quarterly readings were the lowest in three years.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion.