The US Markit flash manufacturing PMI came in at 51.4 for March.
Economists had estimated that the preliminary reading on activity in the sector during March was 51.9, up from the final February print of 51.3, according to Bloomberg.
They are watching out for any signs that the worst of the manufacturing malaise is over.
That's because in the past few weeks, regional manufacturing surveys for the month have come in stronger than expected. The Empire State manufacturing survey turned positive for the first time since July. And, the Philly Fed business activity index, which accounts for manufacturing activity, surged and read above zero for the first time in seven months.