The Institute for Supply Management released its manufacturing purchasing managers' index for the U.S. on Monday. The index declined to 48.2 in December from 48.6 in November, missing expectations for a rise to 49.0. It was the lowest level since June 2009.
A reading above 50 indicates expansion, below indicates contraction.
The decline was partly driven by a fall in employment. The employment index dropped to 48.1 in December from 51.3 in November.
The production index increased to 49.8 in December from 49.2 in November.
The new orders index rose to 49.2 in December from 48.9 in November.
The price index was down to 33.5 in December from 35.5 in November.