Manufacturing sector in top form

THE Irish manufacturing sector was in top form in November, according to the latest survey of purchasing managers by NCB Stockbrokers.

The NCB Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reached a 15-month high during the month as operating conditions improved sharply. The index jumped from 53.4 to 53.7, comfortably ahead of the 50.0 watermark that registers the difference between positive and negative territory.

NCB senior economist Eunan King said: “Manufacturing activity continued to grow in November with the index rising to 53.7. Rising output, driven by new products, appeared to be the main impetus. It was also noted that demand from the US and Spain was strong, though overall growth of new export orders decelerated.”