Equity markets intial reaction higher off of the ISM Mfg numbers

Conditions for the nation's manufacturers pick up its growth pace for the first time in four months, the Institute for Supply Management reported Wednesday. The ISM index rose to 56.3% in August from 55.5% in July. This was much stronger than expected. The consensus forecast of estimates collected by MarketWatch was for the index to fall to 53.2%. Readings above 50 indicate expansion. Below the headline, the report was also strong. The key employment index improved to 60.4% in August from July's 57.8%. Production also jumped. New orders slipped to 53.1% in August from 53.5 in the prior month. [Marketwatch]