U.S. June ISM manufacturing index surprises to upside (by Greg Robb)

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The nation's manufacturers boosted production in June for the first time since January, the Institute for Supply Management reported Tuesday. The ISM index inched higher to 50.2% in June from 49.6% in May. The rise was unexpected. The consensus forecast of estimates collected by Marketwatch was for the index to slip to 48.5%. Readings below 50 indicate contraction.