Markit

Markit: Financial data firm Markit said its final U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 55.0 last month, beating November's 54.7 reading and an initial December estimate of 54.4. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. , according to Reuters. "This tells us that business spending is picking up on the back of rising confidence, which adds to the sense that the recovery is becoming more self-sustaining," said Markit chief economist Chris Williamson. NEW YORK - U.S. manufacturing ended the year on a high note, growing in December at its fastest pace in 11 months, while the rate of job growth was the swiftest since March, an industry report showed on Thursday. A solid increase in output, for which the index rose to its highest mark in 21 months of 57.5 from 57.4 in November, boosted growth in the sector and increased demand for plants and machinery. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.