Manufacturing in Europe continued to grow and beat economists? estimates, although in the fourth quarter, slightly less growth is expected. The Purchasing Manager?s Index in the Eurozone rose for the fifth straight month. The uptick in manufacturing in Germany was the second highest rating since 2011 and has led to growth in the private sector. The U.S. saw factory output rise 1.1% in October, well above the forecasted 0.6% for November. November also saw worker productivity grow by approximately 3% in the U.S. These signs bode well for a recovering economy and an improving labor market.
See "GLOBAL MARKETS ? Euro, stocks lifted by manufacturing data in U.S., Europe", Herbert Lash, Reuters, December 16, 2013