Manufacturing activity kicked into a higher gear in Southeast Asia as nations overcame Omicron-led virus outbreaks while factories in the euro area saw demand increase.
Thailand’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose to a record in February, while the Philippines rebounded to its highest in three years, according to IHS Markit. Vietnam and Malaysia also improved.
Indonesia saw the biggest slump among its neighbours due to a Covid-19 resurgence, but its PMI remained above the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction.
In the euro area, the gauge fell slightly but also remained in expansionary territory. While…
