Index raises doubts about health of economy

ONE of the key business indicators has slowed for the second month in a row raising further doubts about the health of the economy.

For the second successive month the key Purchasing Managers Index, published by NCB Stockbrokers, shows that the pace of manufacturing output dipped again in August having slipped in July after hitting a five-month high in June of this year.

Though still in positive territory, any figure above 50 represents positive growth, the Index came in at 51.3 in August compared with 53.6 for July.