Key points: Strongest rate of output growth since May Total new work increases at solid rate, with new export orders also rising Input price inflation remains marked, albeit weaker than in November Summary The final Markit U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI™)1 was 54.0 in December, down slightly from the flash estimate of 54.2, and signalled a further expansion of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Moreover, up from 52.8 in November, the headline PMI indicated the strongest rate of growth since May. PMI index readings above 50.0 signal an increase or improvement on the prior month, while readings below ... (full story)