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German manufacturing sector still firmly in contraction territory midway through Q4
At the midway point in the final quarter of 2024, the German manufacturing sector remained deep in contraction territory, the latest HCOB PMI® survey showed. Rates of decline in both output and new orders eased for the second month running but remained sharp, while there were faster falls in employment, purchasing activity and stocks. Weak demand and competitive pressures meanwhile led to further decreases in both input costs and output prices, the latter falling at one of the quickest rates over the past 15 years. Business expectations edged higher for the second month running. However, a backdrop of political and ... (full story)