Dutch Manufacturing Growth Eases In December

(RTTNews) - Dutch manufacturing growth slowed from a nine-month high in December, survey data from Markit Economics showed Friday.

The headline NEVI Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 53.5 in December from a nine-month high of 54.6. Nonetheless, the score signals a solid expansion in the sector.

Output in the Dutch manufacturing sector increased for a twentieth consecutive month in December. But the growth rate eased noticeably since November. Similarly, new orders increased at a weaker pace with growth moderating from the 10-month high.

Employment continued to rise in December and the rate of jobs growth quickened to a 13-month high.

Average purchasing costs of manufacturers fell at the sharpest pace since July 2013 with the panellists commenting on lower prices for a range of commodities. Output prices fell for the fifth month in December, the reduction was sharper than in November.