It’s been a rough month for manufacturing stocks. The reading on manufacturing activity is one of the most closely watched economic reports. In July, the S&P Global Flash U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index came in at 49.5. The number was lower than estimated at 51.7, approximately equal to the 49 registered in July 2023. It also was the lowest reading recorded since November 2023.Any number under 50 indicates contraction, which is another example of an economy that continues to take one step forwa ...