Italy’s manufacturing caught in downturn in December, PMI reveals

ROME (Reuters) – Italian manufacturing exercise contracted for a ninth month working in December albeit at a slower tempo than the month earlier than, a survey confirmed on Thursday, amid persisting declines in output and new orders.

The HCOB World Buying Managers’ Index (PMI) for manufacturing climbed to 46.2 from November’s 12-month low of 44.5, remaining effectively under the 50 mark that separates development from contraction.

However, it was above a median forecast of 44.9 in a Reuters survey of 9 analysts.

“The Italian manufacturing sector stays in a difficult state of affairs on the finish of the 12 months. The sector continues to battle with weak demand from the eurozone, excessive vitality prices, and important points within the automotive sector,” mentioned HCOB economist Jonas Feldhusen.

The manufacturing output sub-index rose to 46.9 from 43.3 the month earlier than, whereas the brand new orders indicator elevated to 44.2 from a earlier 41.9.

Italian Financial system Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti mentioned final month that the euro zone’s third-largest financial system would seemingly finish 2024 with a development charge of 0.7%, under the official authorities goal of 1%, noting the deepening hunch within the industrial sector.