Indices closed in the green zone on Monday. Brands such as Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Intel stepped up. Stocks managed a gain despite the release of weaker-than-expected manufacturing and construction data. Manufacturing activity slipped in May. The Institute for Supply Management’s survey fell to 49 from 50.7 in April. Economists were expecting levels to hold steady at 50.7. Meanwhile, the Census Bureau said that construction spending increased by a less-than-expected 0.4% in April, following an upwardly revised 0.8% decrease in March. Economists were expecting an 0.8% uptick in April. Elsewhere, crude oil futures tacked on $1.31 to settle at $93.28 a barrel, Looking ahead, monthly employment numbers will be released on Friday.
