SPENDING, NOT THE ECONOMY:

Manufacturing grew faster than expected in December (AP, January 4, 2010)

An unexpectedly strong report on manufacturing activity today bolstered confidence that the nation's factories will help sustain an economic recovery.

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said its manufacturing index read 55.9 in December after 53.6 in November. A reading above 50 indicates growth.

That is the fifth straight month of expansion and the highest reading for the index since April 2006.