NEW YORK, Oct 1 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks pared gains on Friday after data showed growth in the manufacturing sector slowed in September, while construction spending unexpectedly rose in August.
* Earlier data had initially buoyed stocks after consumer sentiment improved more than expected in September, though it was still stuck at its weakest level in more than a year. For details, see
* The Dow Jones industrial average rose 40.72 points, or 0.38 percent, to 10,828.77. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index gained 4.70 points, or 0.41 percent, to 1,145.90. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 9.93 points, or 0.42 percent, to 2,378.55. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)