Final U.S. May manufacturing PMI rises to 52.3

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch)
The final reading of Markit's manufacturing purchasing managers index picked up to 52.3 in May from a six-month low of 52.1 in April
Markit said the PMI was consistent with only a modest rate of growth
The flash, or initial, estimate of May was for a reading of 51.9, which was the lowest reading since last October
"The May survey paints a downbeat picture of U.S. manufacturing business conditions
Output, order books and employment are all growing modestly, suggesting the sector is at risk of stalling," said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit.