July saw the German economy return to expansion territory for the first time in four months, driven by a marked upturn in manufacturing production, according to the latest ‘flash’ S&P Global PMI® survey. Growth was supported by stronger demand for goods and services, including a renewed increase in new export orders. Firms were slightly more optimistic about the year-ahead outlook for activity, which was reflected in a slowdown in the pace of job losses. As for prices, there was a slightly faster rise in input costs at the start of the third quarter, owing to increased pressures facing services firms. Average ... (full story)