STOCK MARKET WATCH - Wednesday, 1 February 2012

[Ghost Dog]

27. Euro-zone Jan Mfg shrinks at slower pace

From Dow Jones:

"A rebound in German manufacturing helped to slow the contraction in euro-zone factory activity in January, but continued falls in other countries suggest a two-speed Europe may be emerging.

Markit Economics said its purchasing managers index for the manufacturing sector rose to 48.8 from 46.9 in December. This is still below the break-even 50.0 threshold, meaning activity fell, but is the strongest figure in five months.

"Euro area manufacturing has started 2012 surprisingly well, suggesting the region may avoid a slide back into recession," said Chris Williamson, Chief Economist at Markit.

But the rebound masks stark divergence between countries. While a few countries, like Germany, are showing signs of recovery, others, particularly those that have needed to be bailed out in the currency bloc's debt crisis, continue to face a bleak outlook.

/... http://www.fxstreet.com/news/forex-news/article.aspx?storyid=44d13fc4-763b-4656-92ba-43517bd4c697