Dutch Manufacturing Growth Robust In December

(RTTNews) - Dutch manufacturing sector maintained its growth momentum in December, survey figures from Markit Economics showed Monday.

The seasonally adjusted headline NEVI Purchasing Managers' Index, or PMI, dropped fractionally to 53.4 in December from 53.5 in the previous month. However, any reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector.

The latest rate of expansion was the weakest in three months. But, sill pointed to a solid rate of improvement in overall business conditions.

Manufacturing output grew for the thirty-second consecutive month in December. Moreover, the rate of growth quickened from November's eight-month low to a marked pace.

New orders also continued to rise in December, although remained modest overall.

Manufacturers raised their staffing levels further in December, as they recruited additional staff to face increased production requirements and business expansion strategies.

On the price front, input prices fell for the fourth successive month in December, though modest overall. Similarly, output prices dropped marginally on the month.