Global Manufacturers Not Faring As Well As U.S., Index Shows

American manufacturers are posting their fastest growth in several years, but the rest of the world isn't doing so hot. The J.P. Morgan global manufacturing index edged down to a four-month low of 52.2% in September while the rate of expansion was the weakest since April. "Growth was near-stagnant in the eurozone and Asia," the firm said Wednesday. Although any reading over 50% signifies expansion, the global index is being propped by the United States. Growth is "heavily skewed" toward the U.S., J.P. Morgan said. The Czech Republic, Ireland, Taiwan and Canada were also improved.