Investing.com - Manufacturing activity in the U.S. contracted for a fourth straight month in January, data on Monday showed, holding near levels not seen since July 2009.
The Institute for Supply Management said its index of purchasing managers ticked up to 48.2 from December's 48.0, compared to forecasts of 48.1.
Another report showed that the Markit U.S. manufacturing PMI rose from a 38-month low to 52.4 but was slightly short of forecasts for 52.7.
The U.S. manufacturing sector has come under pressure in recent months as the strong dollar made exports less competitive and global demand weakened.