An index value above 50 shows expansion in the manufacturing sector, while a value under 50 signals contraction. 

Among the sub-indices that comprise the PMI, the production volume index rose from August but stayed above the 50 mark for the ninth month in a row.

The new orders index climbed and stayed over 50.

Delivery times were longer than in August.

Purchased stocks rose after falling in the previous month.

The employment index was up and showed expansion.