The Institute for Supply Management’s purchasing managers index for US manufacturing decelerated to a reading of 50.1 in October, down from September’s reading of 50.2. The reading indicates continued expansion, but at a slower pace.

Readings above 50 indicate growth.

MarketWatch reports the index falls to lowest level in 2 1/2 years.

The employment portion of the index also fell to a reading of 47.6 in September from 50.5 in September, reflecting declining employment levels. The reading fell to the lowest level in six years, according to MarketWatch.