MW: Markit final July U.S. manufacturing PMI slips to 55.8
By Greg Robb
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- U.S. manufacturing lost some momentum in July after hitting an almost-two year high in June, according to the final purchasing managers index released by Markit on Friday. The manufacturing PMI fell to 55.8, which is below the flash estimate of 56.3 and the 57.3 reading in June. Readings above 50 indicate growth. Employment growth decelerated in July, a sign that businesses could be increasingly cautious, said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit. The similarly constructed Institute for Supply Management index is due at 10 a.m. Eastern.
