An SUV moves through the assembly line at the General Motors Assembly Plant in Arlington, Texas June 9, 2015. U.S. manufacturing activity slowed in October for a fourth straight month, but a rise in new orders offered hope for a sector buffeted by a strong dollar and relentless spending cuts by energy companies. Other data on Monday showed construction spending rose in September, indicating the economy remained on firmer ground despite some cooling in consumer spending and persistent weakness in manufacturing. The Institute for Supply Management said its national manufacturing index slipped to 50.1 this month from a reading of 50.2 in September. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector. New orders rose to 52.9 from 50.1 in September. However, the employment index fell to 47.6, the lowest reading since August 2009. It was the first time it had dropped below 50 since April. U.S. stocks […]