An index value above 50 shows expansion in the manufacturing sector, while a value under 50 signals contraction.

Among the sub-indices that comprise the PMI, the new orders index “strengthened a bit” and remained over the 50 threshold.

The production volume index also rose and continued to show expansion.

The employment index fell under the 50-point mark.

Delivery times were longer than in November.

Purchased inventories were up for the fifth month in a row.