SINGAPORE, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), an early indicator of manufacturing activity, rose by 0.2 points in November to reach 51, signaling the 15th consecutive month of expansion, according to data released Monday night by the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management.
The electronics sector PMI also increased by 0.2 points, reaching 51.6, marking its 13th straight month of growth.
A PMI reading above 50 indicates overall expansion in the manufacturing economy, while a reading below 50 points to contraction.
The indices for new orders, new export orders, and output showed "particularly stark" improvements, said Jester Koh, associate economist at United Overseas Bank, as reported by The Business Times.
Economists suggest the strong readings may reflect "front-loading" of production and exports, with manufacturers potentially aiming to preempt any tariffs that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump might impose, according to The Business Times. ■
