German Factory Output Jumps

German manufacturing growth reached its highest in almost three years in December, driven by rising demand from Asia and the United States, a survey showed on Monday, suggesting the sector will contribute to an expansion in the fourth quarter, Reuters reported. Markit’s purchasing managers’ index for manufacturing, which accounts for about a fifth of the economy, rose to 55.6 from 54.3 in November to reach its highest level in 35 months. That was slightly above a flash reading and well above the 50 line that separates growth from contraction.