Euro zone factory recovery faltered in Nov
Euro zone factory growth slowed last month as new lockdown measures hurt demand.
That's according to IHS Markit's final Manufacturing PMI survey released Tuesday (December 1).
It fell to 53.8 in November from October's 54.8.
It was slightly ahead of the flash estimate of 53.6, though.
Anything above 50 is a sign of growth.
The PMI showed demand fell and factories cut headcount again in November.
But optimism did improve as progress was made on vaccines.
The future output index rose to 64.8 from 62.7 - its highest since March 2018.
European powerhouse Germany was behind the bloc's ongoing manufacturing recovery.
Export-focused companies were particularly optimistic thanks to strong demand from abroad.
While the manufacturing sector continued to expand in the bloc, an earlier flash reading showed activity in the service industry contracted last month.
It comes as Europe fights a rise in coronavirus infections,
And analysts believe this has put the euro zone on track for its first double-dip recession in almost a decade.
