Spanish manufacturing contraction eased slightly in April, a survey by Markit Economics revealed Thursday.
The headline purchasing managers' index, a gauge assessing the manufacturing sector performance, rose to 44.7 in April from 44.2 in March. Readings below 50 indicates contraction of the sector.
New orders declined at a faster pace in April while new export orders fell for a second consecutive month. Subsequently, the rate of decline in production also accelerated.
Firms shed jobs again in April. Staffing levels have decreased in all but one month since September 2007, Markit said.
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April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.