Manufacturing in U.S. Probably Grew for Third Month in February

Manufacturing in the U.S. probably expanded in February for a third month as businesses invested more in new equipment, economists said before a report today.

A reading of 52.5 is projected for the Institute for Supply Management’s factory index after a nine-month high of 53.1 in January, according to the median forecast of 81 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Numbers greater than 50 signal expansion. Other reports today may show consumer spending and construction outlays increased in January.