71.   For the second consecutive month, durable goods orders exceeded expectations, a sign that manufacturing activity is humming along.

72.   Friday, industrial groups in the Chicago and New York regions reported better-than-expected manufacturing activity.

73.   For one thing, the National Association of Purchasing Management reported that manufacturing activity fell more than expected in May.

74.   In a separate report, a survey by the National Association of Purchasing Management showed that manufacturing activity remained weak in September, pointing to continued slow economic growth.

75.   In another sign of economic strength, the National Association of Purchasing Management reported that its monthly index of manufacturing activity in the Chicago region unexpectedly rose.

76.   In addition, U.S. manufacturing activity grew at a slower rate in April than month earlier, the National Association of Purchasing Management said.

77.   In NEW YORK, copper futures fell as a seasonal slowdown in manufacturing activity reduces demand for the metal, boosting supplies.

78.   In the latest evidence of a slowdown, the National Association of Purchasing Managers reports that manufacturing activity turned in its weakest performance in nearly two years during June.

79.   In the weeks after the information was collected for the June factory report, manufacturing activity rebounded, the National Association of Purchasing Management said this week.

80.   In the weeks after the information was collected for the June report, manufacturing activity rebounded, the National Association of Purchasing Management said this week.