Manufacturing Unexpectedly Slows as Orders Cool: Economy

Manufacturing in the U.S. grew less than forecast in February as orders eased, slowing the industry that has powered the two-year expansion.

The Institute for Supply Management’s factory index fell to 52.4 from 54.1 in January, the Tempe, Arizona-based group said today. Readings above 50 signal growth. Jobless claims fell to an almost four-year low last week, and household purchases adjusted for prices were little changed for a third straight month in January, other reports showed.