Indian manufacturing sector activities showed a marginal improvement in December compared to the previous month even as employment generation remained low, showed the widely-tracked IHS Markit purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey.
PMI inched up to 56.4 in December compared to 56.3 in November. However, it remained lower than 58.9 in October and 56.8 in September, the two months during which the economy saw a gradual lifting of lockdowns. A reading above 50 shows growth, while the print below 50 means contraction.
Reflecting the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions, strengthening demand, and improved market conditions, factory orders increased during December. In response, firms lifted production again. In both cases, rates of expansion remained sharp despite easing to four-month lows.
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