Russian manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in March, a survey by Markit Economics revealed Monday.
The headline Markit/HSBC purchasing managers' index fell to 50.8 in March from 52 in February. The reading is now at its second-lowest level in the past 12 months, Markit said.
A PMI reading above 50, however, indicates expansion of the sector. The rate of expansion in output also eased during the month, despite extending the period of growth to 44 months.
Growth in new orders also slowed during March. The rate of expansion was the slowest in 2013 so far, and broadly in line with the average over the current 18-month sequence of gains, the survey report said.
At the same time, new export orders fell for a second consecutive month. Also, firms cut staff for the fifth month running.
The survey also found that inflationary pressures in the manufacturing sector remained weak in March.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com