The Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) ended at 44 in December..4, slightly higher than the preliminary reading of 44.2。

However, the index remained in contraction territory, with output and employment falling for the seventh consecutive month.。

The decline in new orders and purchasing activity slowed in December, while business confidence rose to its highest level in eight months.。

Despite this, manufacturers in the euro zone are still reducing their inventories due to weak demand.。Improved delivery times for suppliers。

Meanwhile, Germany's manufacturing PMI rose after a revision。The index ended in December at 43..3, higher than the preliminary reading 43.1。

The decline in the two sub-indices of output and employment accelerated slightly in December, S & P Global said.。

On the other hand, the rate of decline in new orders was the slowest in eight months, while business expectations turned positive for the first time since April 2023.。

German manufacturers continued to cut factory prices in December amid competitive pressures and lower input costs。