Final Markit PMI Manufacturing Index Falls To 53.9 In December

The second and final reading of the Markit U.S. manufacturing index totaled 53.9 in December, down from 54.8 in November, the privately run firm said Friday. The index registered a preliminary 53.7 in December. Readings over 50 indicate growth, but the index is now at its lowest point since January 2013. Markit said worries about a weak global economy has tugged the index lower. The rate of hiring also slowed to its softest pace since July, though companies are still hiring.