By Greg Robb
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Economists expect a preliminary flash manufacturing index for the U.S. released by Markit to improve a bit in June from 52.3 in May. This would be a signal that manufacturing is stabilizing after slowing down in recent months. The index, to be released at 9 a.m., is similar in design to the Institute for Supply Management manufacturing index. Readings above 50 indicate expansion.
