ISM factory index contracts for third month
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — A gauge that measures the strength of the factory sector remained below the 50% mark for the third straight month, stirring fears that a slowdown in manufacturing was lingering, according to a closely followed survey of top executives released Tuesday.

It’s the first time there have been three-straight sub-50% readings since the summer of 2009.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ism-factory-...2012-09-04