U.S. Economy: Factories Expand, Companies Add Workers

Manufacturing in the U.S. expanded for a 16th consecutive month in November and companies increased payrolls, signs of growing confidence in the economic recovery.

The Institute for Supply Management said its factory index was little changed at 56.6 after a five-month high of 56.9 in October. A reading higher than 50 signals growth. Businesses added 93,000 workers to payrolls in November, the most in three years, according to ADP Employer Services.