Manufacturing, Construction Weaken

[Omaha Steve]

http://money.excite.com/jsp/nw/nwdt_rt_top.jsp?news_id=ap-d8vp7j300&

Tuesday April 1, 2:03 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Further weakness in the manufacturing sector and construction industry underscored concerns that the U.S. economy has fallen into recession, though most analysts believe a downturn will be mild and relatively short-lived.

The Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday that manufacturing contracted for a second consecutive month in March as manufacturers grappled with weakening order books and rising prices for raw materials.

The institute's manufacturing index registered 48.6 last month, a bit stronger than the 48.3 reading for February, which had been the weakest in five years.

Readings below 50 indicate contraction, while those above 50 show growth.

In Washington, the Commerce Department said that construction spending fell again in February as home building tumbled for a record 24th straight month.

The department said overall construction activity dropped 0.3 percent in February, reflecting weakness not only in home building but also in nonresidential activity. Only government building projects showed a gain for the month.

FULL story at link.

[Mountainman]

1. So what do you think all those cheaply paid illegal aliens going go do for work ?

[Birthmark]

2. Mugging?

At least they'd earn a wage competitive with American citizens.