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US production growth near six-year peak but price gauge highest since 2011
February PMITM data from IHS Markit indicated a marked upturn in the health of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Although the rate of overall growth eased, it was the second-fastest since April 2010 and was supported by sharp increases in output and new orders. Unprecedented supply chain disruption remained apparent, however, with supplier shortages and transportation delays leading to a substantial rise in input costs. Firms were, however, able to partially pass on input prices to clients through the fastest increase in charges since July 2008. At the same time, employment grew at the steepest rate since September ... (full story)