Manufacturing sector index returns to a positive outlook

IRELAND’s manufacturing sector returned to positivity last month with business activity levels picking up after a disappointing September according to latest data.

The latest purchasing managers’ index (PMI) from NCB Stockbrokers amounted to 50.9, marginally above the breakeven level for positive movement in business activity, but impressively up on the disappointing 48.4 measured in September.

The bounce came about mainly due to a higher level of new business orders from export markets.