Mexico: Manufacturing data uneven in September
Mexico’s manufacturing sector displayed mixed results in September. On the one hand, the seasonally-adjusted manufacturing indicator produced by the Mexican Institute of Financial Executives (IMEF) edged down from August’s 51.6 points to 51.5 points. As a result, the indicator inched closer to the threshold that separates expansion from contraction in the manufacturing sector. According to IMEF, the weaker expansion was driven by a slower increase in output, while new orders and employment accelerated markedly.
On the other hand, the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) produced by IHS Markit jumped in the same month. The manufacturing PMI came in at 51.7 points in September (August: 50.7 points), comfortably above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction in the manufacturing sector. Faster output and a climb in export orders drove the print and, in turn, fueled sturdy job creation. Moreover, businesses remained optimistic in the month.