WASHINGTON - A survey shows U.S. manufacturing activity expanded more slowly in March than February, held back by weaker growth in production and new orders. But factories hired at...

...That means companies are cutting fewer jobs and might post higher net gains.And a closely watched survey of manufacturing activity showed factories hired in March at the fastest pace in nine months.

...slow consumer spending on services.The Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday that its index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 56 in February from 55.2 in January. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion.The report measures...

...Supply Management said Wednesday that its index of manufacturing activity rose in December to 50.7. That's up from...S. goods.A survey in China on Monday found manufacturing activity in that country expanded for the third consecutive...

...Friday's surprisingly bleak jobs report for May followed a spate of weak U.S. economic data last week. Manufacturing activity slowed, an index of home contracts fell and consumer confidence tumbled. Mounting troubles in Europe and elsewhere...

...estimates of 2.5 percent.In addition to the slowdown in hiring in May and April, reports last week showed that manufacturing activity grew more slowly last month, consumer confidence fell and a gauge of future home sales declined.And the government...

...Retails sales have barely grown in the past two months.Less growth in consumer spending has also hurt U.S. manufacturing activity, a leading economic driver since the recession ended. Factories produced less in May than April, the Federal...

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, said Monday that its index of factory activity rose to 51.5. That's up from 49.6 in August.

...Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, said Wednesday that its index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 55.1, up from 53.7 in August. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion.The report measures growth...

...sales in most parts of the country. Still, consumer spending was flat or up only slightly in most districts. Manufacturing activity was mixed, with half of the districts reporting slight improvement since the previous Fed report. And hiring...