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. This month’s output subindex rose to 56 from January’s 55.7 final reading, its second straight monthly increase and best reading since October, while the employment subindex dipped to 51.7 from last month’s 53.4.