Economic activity in the manufacturing sector remained in contraction territory for the fifth straight month, as the ISM Index was reported at 46.3% for March. This data is compiled from a survey of purchasing and supply executives nationwide and measures the health of the manufacturing sector in the U.S. March’s reading was below expectations and saw new orders and production both contracting. Generally, readings above 50% indicate that the manufacturing economy is expanding, while below 50% signals a decline.