NATION

NATION
NASD agrees to sellAmex to Chicago firm
NEW YORK -- The National Association of Securities Dealers, which oversees the Nasdaq Stock Market, has agreed to sell the century-old American Stock Exchange for $110 million to a Chicago-based private-equity firm, officials said Monday.
The NASD signed a document Friday to sell the Wall Street-based Amex market to the private-equity firm GTCR Golder Rauner LLC after nearly a year of talks.
Manufacturing indexrises, hinting at recovery
NEW YORK -- The beleaguered manufacturing sector saw business activity decline again in May, but new data suggest it could finally be poised for recovery.
The Institute for Supply Management, an industry group, said Monday its manufacturing index rose to 49.4 percent last month, up from 45.4 percent in April. The reading signals a continuing decline in manufacturing business activity, but at a considerably slower rate.
An index below 50 means manufacturing activity is slowing; above 50 indicates the industry is growing. But it topped the expectations of analysts and fueled speculation of a coming rebound in manufacturing.
Bankruptcy filing
WEST POINT, Ga. -- WestPoint Stevens Inc., one of the nation's largest makers of sheets, pillow cases and towels, has filed for bankruptcy protection and its chief executive has agreed to resign, company officials said Monday.
The textile company has been struggling with high debt, a slumping economy and competition from low-cost rivals in China and Central America. A number of U.S. textile firms, including Burlington Industries and Malden Mills, have filed for bankruptcy in recent years.
Associated Press