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Eurozone manufacturing sector remains mired in deep downturn as factory orders plummet and job losses accelerate
The eurozone manufacturing economy continued to contract at a sharp rate at the end of the third quarter. Overall, the latest HCOB PMI® data flagged considerable weakness across the sector, with new orders continuing to shrink at a pace that has rarely been surpassed since the survey began in 1997. Although input costs fell sharply yet again, businesses’ efforts to retrench further were evidenced by sustained reductions in employment, purchasing activity and inventories. Subsequently, production cutbacks were extended in September. Meanwhile, there was a considerable softening of business confidence, with growth ... (full story)