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By TOM KRISHER
The Associated Press
DETROIT -- Auto sales, once a bright spot in the economic recovery, grew fainter last month.
General Motors Co.'s August sales fell 7 percent from July, and an even sharper 25 percent from August of 2009, when sales were boosted by the government's Cash for Clunkers rebates. Ford saw sales slip 5 percent from July. Subaru, whose strong lineup of smaller cars benefited from clunkers last year, also suffered.
Buyers who are nervous about the economy's health stayed away from showrooms, a worrisome sign since August is typically a strong month. Total industry sales could fall below 1 million new vehicles once automaker finish reporting sales on Wednesday, making it the worst August in 27 years.
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By TALI ARBEL
NEW YORK -- U.S. manufacturing expanded in August for the 13th straight month, lifting hopes that economic growth won't stall.
The Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday its manufacturing index rose to 56.3 in August from 55.5 in July. A reading above 50 indicates growth.
Manufacturing has helped lead the economy out of the worst recession since the 1930s. The trade group's index has surged since late 2009 and hit a 6-year high in April. But as economic growth has slowed this summer, expansion in the manufacturing sector has leveled off.
Another strong month at U.S. factories helped ease fears on Wall Street of a second recession.
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