U.S. Factory Activity Edges Up in February: Markit

(Reuters) - The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in February at its fastest rate since November, after notching its lowest reading in a year in the prior month, an industry report showed on Friday.

Financial data firm Markit said its preliminary or "flash" U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 54.3 in February, up from the January's final reading of 53.9. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a 53.6 reading.

A reading above 50 signals expansion in economic activity.