The US manufacturing sector grew for the 11th consecutive month in June, but at a slower clip than expected, an industry survey said Thursday.
"The manufacturing sector continued to grow during June; however, the rate of growth... slowed when compared to May," said Norbert Or of the Institute of Supply Management (ISM).
The firm's manufacturing index, also known as the purchasing managers index, stood at 56.2 percent, down from 59.7 percent seen in May.
The reading -- which compiles managers' reports on everything from new orders to stock inventories -- was well below market expectations of 59 percent.
A reading above 50 percent indicates an expanding manufacturing sector.
The ISM's Or said the slowdown was to be expected after months of robust growth.
"The sector appears to be solidly entrenched in the recovery," he said.
"Comments from the respondents remain generally positive, but expectations have been that the second half of the year will not be as strong in terms of the rate of growth, and June appears to validate that forecast."
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