U.S. flash manufacturing PMI edges up

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch)
The flash manufacturing purchasing managers index for the U.S. edged higher to a 51.9 reading in August from 51.4 in July, according to Markit
The index, similar in design to the Institute for Supply Management manufacturing index, was the third lowest since October 2009
New export orders continue to be below the 50 mark, indicating contraction, but output and new orders rose
The flash index is based on 85% to 90% of typical monthly responses