1.   A separate report from the Purchasing Management Association of Chicago showed that fewer Midwestern factories are paying higher prices, even as manufacturing expands.

2.   A separate report, from the National Association of Purchasing Management, showed that manufacturing expanded in July.

3.   If that proves accurate, it would show that manufacturing is still expanding, though probably not at a pace fast enough to rouse inflation.

4.   Manufacturing expanded more rapidly, but retail sales and services slowed somewhat.

5.   The report suggested that manufacturing was expanding at a slower pace.

6.   The U.S. economy signaled renewed strength as construction spending posted the largest gain in nine months in June and a key index showed that manufacturing expanded in July.

7.   The U.S. economy signaled renewed strength as construction spending posted the largest gain in nine months in June and a key index showed that manufacturing expanded in July.

8.   The survey found that in the past quarter, manufacturing expanded the most since the end of last year.