Germany's manufacturing sector made a positive start to 2026, according to the latest HCOB PMI® survey data, seeing output levels return to growth after a brief contraction in December. The upturn was supported by increased intakes of new orders, which rose for the first time in three months, albeit only marginally. However, despite January also seeing a slight improvement in firms' expectations for activity in the coming 12 months, the year began with another marked drop in factory workforce numbers, as well as further notable decreases in both pre- and postproduction inventories. Elsewhere, the latest survey ... (full story)