Economic activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in June following one month of contraction, according to the purchasing managers index for manufacturing released today by the Institute for Supply Management. The index rose to a reading of 50.9 in June from May’s reading of 49.0, which was the lowest level since June 2009. Readings above 50 indicate growth.

However, the employment portion of the index fell to a reading of 48.7 in June from 50.1 in May.