Purchasing Managers: More slowing in nation's manufacturing sector.

Growth in the nation's manufacturing sector continued its lethargic pace in October, according to the latest report from the National Assn. of Purchasing Management. The October result was the fifth consecutive month of decline after a lengthy solid period that saw growth continue for 22 straight months. Despite that, the overall economy maintained its relentless growth pattern with its 90th consecutive month of increase, the NAPM report said. NAPM's October Purchasing Managers' Index slipped to 48.3% in October from its 49.4% showing in the previous month. Among other key monthly NAPM indexes, the October Production Index decreased 0.8 percentage points to 52.6%. The New …