ISM Manufacturing

ISM Manufacturing means a U.S. survey that tracks activity in the manufacturing sector. In simple terms, it is a major monthly report on U.S. factory conditions. ISM Manufacturing is important because investors use it to understand new orders, production, employment, inventories, and prices in manufacturing. It can move markets if it is much stronger or weaker than expected. For example, a weak ISM Manufacturing report may raise concerns about slowing industrial activity. ISM Manufacturing is not the full economy. It focuses on manufacturing, while the U.S. economy also depends heavily on services.