BLS DAILY REPORT, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1997 Growth in the manufacturing sector continues in September, but at a slower pace, reflecting slower expansion of production and new orders, the National Association of Purchasing Management reports ....(Daily Labor Report, page A-11)_____The manufacturing economy cooled off in September ....But its inflation component rose in August, indicating manufacturers are paying more for raw materials ....(Washington Post, page C2; Wall Street Journal, page A2)_____The second month of slowing in manufacturing growth may be a sign that the economy as a whole is cooling ....(New York Times, page D1). The index of leading economic indicators advanced 0.2 percent in August, boosted by increases in the money supply as well as new orders for consumer goods and factory materials, the Conference Board reports ....(Daily Labor Report, page D-1)____August was the fourth consecutive month in which the leading indicator index has shown a positive reading, suggesting continued economic expansion (Washington Post, page C2). Construction spending fell 0.3 percent in August, the third drop in four months, led by declines in non-residential and public building, the Commerce Department said. Even with the decline, however, the value of new construction in August was still the second highest on record (Washington Post, page C2). "Trendlines" in the Washington Post (page C1) says that the U.S. trade deficit is on the rise again, projected to reach record levels this year and surpass $200 billion next year. But, as a percentage of gross domestic product, the deficit is considerably lower than it was in the mid-1980s .... Women 40 years and older file fewer discrimination charges with EEOC, and they receive less monetary awards than men in the same age group, according to a new report by the American Association of Retired Persons in conjunction with the Fair Employment Council of Greater Washington. However, the report also finds that women who bring claims of discrimination receive more findings in their favor from EEOC than men who have filed claims ....(Daily Labor Report, page A-14). Catalyst, a nonprofit group that studies women in business, said the number of companies with women directors rose less than 3 percent this year and 3 percent last year, following jumps of 7 percent in 1995 and 9 percent in 1994. Women hold about 11 percent of the 6,081 director seats. The group said 84 percent of Fortune 500 companies have a woman on the board and that most have only one (Washington Post, page C2).. President Clinton signs a short-term continuing resolution that will allow the government to continue operating without interruption for the next three weeks. The measure will fund all government operations at current fiscal year 1997 levels until Oct. 23 or until a regular appropriations bill is signed into law ....(Daily Labor Report, page A-18). DUE OUT TOMORROW: The Employment Situation: September 1997
