BERLIN, Nov 3 (Reuters): German factory activity rebounded in October after shrinking slightly in September for the first time in over a year, although there are signs of weak domestic demand in Europe's largest economy, a survey showed on Monday.
Markit's Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector, which accounts for about a fifth of the economy, climbed to 51.4 from 49.9 in September, bouncing back above the 50 mark that denotes growth. The final figure was slightly below the flash reading of 51.8.
Output growth accelerated in October and firms added the most staff in nearly three years. But the survey also showed new business falling for a second month, albeit very slightly, as Russian sanctions and a general economic slowdown weighed on demand, Markit economist Oliver Kolodseike said.
"Worryingly, the drop in new work was driven by weakening domestic demand." "Overall, the data send mixed signals about the health of Germany's manufacturing sector and it is too early to say whether the sector will be able to sustain growth in the fourth quarter," he added.
Manufacturing sector ebounds in Germany
FE Team | Published: November 04, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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