Global manufacturing PMI continues upward trend, but signaling weak economic recovery

The global manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for December 2024 rose for the second consecutive month, signaling a continued but fragile economic recovery worldwide.

The index, released by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) on Monday, stood at 49.5 percent, up 0.2 percentage points from the previous month. The figure marked the second consecutive month of slight increases and set a new high for the second half of 2024, indicating a steady yet modest upward trend in global manufacturing.

Asia's PMI reached 51.1 percent in December, staying above 51 percent for three months in a row, and continuing to anchor the global economic recovery.

For Africa, its PMI rose by 1 percentage point from previous month to 50.2 percent in December, ending two consecutive months of sub-50 readings.

In the Americas, the PMI registered its second consecutive month of increases in December but remained in contraction territory.

Europe's PMI declined by 0.2 percentage points from the previous month to 46.8 percent, reflecting ongoing challenges in the region's manufacturing sector.

On a broader scale, the global manufacturing PMI averaged 49.3 percent for 2024 as a whole. While this suggested better overall manufacturing growth compared to 2023, the PMI's continued sub-50 reading highlighted the lack of strong momentum in global manufacturing activities.

Global manufacturing PMI continues upward trend, but signaling weak economic recovery

Global manufacturing PMI continues upward trend, but signaling weak economic recovery

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela