The upturn in Italy's manufacturing sector continued into the final month of the year, with latest data showing further growth of output, new orders and
employment. Moreover, rates of expansion were the fastest for more than two-and-a-half years in each case. There were also increases in backlogs of work and purchasing activity during the month, the latter helping to push input price inflation to a 21-month high.
The seasonally adjusted Markit/ADACI Italy Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index® (PMI®) – a composite indicator designed to provide a single-figure snapshot of operating conditions in the manufacturing economy – read 53.3 in December, up from November's mark of 51.4. This was its highest posting since April 2011, and one that was consistent with a solid improvement in the general
health of the manufacturing sector.
Source: http://www.markiteconomics.com/
