Drop in Manufacturing Index

The Institute for Supply Management,a buyers' trade group,has released its monthly manufacturing sector index-a key gauge of U.S. economic health.The September number was the lowest since 9-11,dropping to 43.5 from 49.9 in August.A reading below 50 indicates contraction of the sector.Order backlogs,employment,deliveries and inventories all fell in September.The ISM survey revealed a contraction in electrical appliances,machinery,apparel,furniture and transportation equipment.