The latest HCOB PMI® survey conducted by S&P Global showed the downturn in German manufacturing production easing at the start of the second quarter, coinciding with a slower decline in new export business. Overall inflows of new work, by contrast, fell at a faster rate, with a steep and accelerated drop in factory gate prices – the sharpest since 2009 - underscoring the challenging demand environment still facing goods producers. Manufacturers continued to grow in confidence about the year-ahead outlook, but the degree of optimism remained low by historical standards. The HCOB Germany Manufacturing PMI® – which is a ... (full story)