March data in this country signaled a robust and accelerated improvement in the manufacturing sector, driven by faster rises in production, new orders and employment.
The seasonally-adjusted Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index was released Monday morning, and revealed a hike to 55 last month from 54.7 in February, to remain above the crucial 50.0 no-change value for the 13th consecutive month.
What's more, the latest reading signaled the fastest improvement in manufacturing business conditions since October 2013.
Markit reported new work received by manufacturing firms expanded at the strongest rate for almost two-and-a-half years in March. A number of survey respondents commented on a supportive economic backdrop and a recovery in spending by clients in the oil and gas sector.
However, exports sales growth remained subdued in March, with the latest rise in new orders from abroad only marginal.
