Market Commentary and Intraday News

Dutch Manufacturing Activity Falls For Fifth Month

296 days ago

(RTTNews) - Activity in the Dutch manufacturing sector decreased for the fifth consecutive month in July, data from a survey by Markit Economics and NEVI showed Wednesday.

The seasonally adjusted purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector remained unchanged at 48.9 in July, indicating further worsening of operating conditions. A PMI reading below 50 indicates contraction in the sector, while one above suggests growth.

New orders received by companies fell for a fifth month in a row, though at the slowest pace in that sequence, mainly reflecting weaker domestic demand.

Output at Dutch factories fell for a fourth successive month in July. The modest reduction in production was linked in part to the ongoing weakness in underlying demand.

Input costs faced by companies decreased sharply during the month, owing mainly to lower prices for oil-related products and steel. Output prices decreased for the first time since last November amid evidence of ongoing competitive pressures, data showed.

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

Copyright(c) 2012 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved

View all of today's news »