The Institute for Supply Management’s purchasing managers’ index for US manufacturing rose to a reading of 59.0 in October, up from September’s reading of 56.6. Bloomberg reports the expansion was faster than had been forecast.

Readings above 50 indicated growth; September’s index indicates continued expansion in manufacturing and at a faster rate than September.

The employment portion of the index rose to a reading of 55.5 in October from the September reading of 54.6.