WASHINGTON—U.S. factories are slowing down as manufacturers grapple with a cooling global economy, trade tensions and the threat of a closed U.S.-Mexico border. An index of factory activity produced by the Institute for Supply Management has been slipping since August, falling to 52.8 in April, the lowest reading since October 2016. That suggests that U.S. manufacturing is still growing but at a slower pace. Readings above 50 indicate activity is expanding, while those below 50 are a sign of contraction.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 01, 2019 09:22 UTC