S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded a decline in business conditions for the fourth month in a row in December, according to a press release from the firm. The well-known index recorded 48.9 points up from 47.3 in November. A score of 50 indicates no change, above 50 means the sector is growing, and below 50 means it is contracting.
Key points
- New orders were down, on the back of low demand;
- There was a small rise in selling prices;
- Input costs increased substantially;
- Lead times improved on the back of the lack of demand and competition among suppliers; and
- Backlogs increase for the first time in 12 months.