The Commerce Department says construction spending grew +0.1% from Feb. to $808.1 billion in March, six percent higher than the $762.6  billion of March 2011, and notes the suggestion of improvement in the housing industry. Meanwhile, the LATimes says, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reports in their index the overall economy grew for the 35th straight month. Manufacturing in the U.S. grew to a ten-month high, expanding in April at the fastest pace in almost six months. MHProNews.com has learned activity increased at 16 of the 18 industries surveyed by ISM, including machinery, paper, transportation equipment, and petroleum and coal.

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