Industrial activity in Germany recovers in December

Data released by Markt today showed that Germany's manufacturing PMI, which represents about a fifth of the German economy, rose to 58.3 points in December compared to 57.8 points in November, the highest level since February 2018. Germany imposed a limited lockdown on November 2, shutting down restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment venues, while factories and stores remained open to try to control the increase in new cases of coronavirus.

With the record rise in new cases of coronavirus and the emergence of a new strain of the virus that is more rapidly spreading, the authorities imposed stricter restrictions as of December 16, which closed most stores, as well as barbershops and other services.