U.S. manufacturers expanded at a faster pace in December, boosted by a sharp increase in new orders. The Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday that its manufacturing index rose to 59.7 last month from 58.2 in November. "With a report like this, I can't do anything but smile," said Tim Fiore, chair of the ISM manufacturing business survey committee. The ISM, a trade association of purchasing managers, said 16 of 18 manufacturing industries expanded in December. Through the first 10 months of the year, factory orders have risen 5.6 percent, according to the Census Bureau.

Source: Fox News January 03, 2018 15:39 UTC