ISM Manufacturing Index Falls to Lowest Point Since 2009

U.S. manufacturing activity fell in November to the lowest point since July 2009, the Institute for Supply Management said Monday.

ISM’s monthly factory index fell to a reading of 49.5, from 51.7 in October the group said. Figures lower than 50 indicate contraction.

The reading was lower than economists’ forecasts of a 51.4 reading, Bloomberg reported.

The ISM factory index measures manufacturing components of the economy.