This marked the 11th straight month of manufacturing expansion, bringing the index closer to the 32-month high seen in October. Both output and new orders increased faster, driven by strong overall demand, including a notable surge in new export orders, mainly to Europe and North Africa. As a result, businesses increased staffing and purchasing activity to meet higher production needs.
Inflation stable, confidence hits highest level since May 2024
Inflationary pressures remained largely stable, and confidence in the future remained high, with sentiment reaching its highest level since May 2024 and continuing its fourth consecutive month of improvement since August's low.
