German Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)
The German Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) is a vital economic indicator that measures the activity level of purchasing managers in the manufacturing sector. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector; below indicates contraction. The PMI is compiled by research firm Markit, and its release typically causes movement in global financial markets.The index is based on a survey of purchasing managers from around 400 industrial companies. Respondents are asked about their perceptions of current business conditions and how they expect things to develop over the next month. The headline figure is derived from a diffusion index, which subtracts the percentage of respondents reporting contraction from those reporting expansion.The German Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index has become an increasingly important indicator for investors and policymakers worldwide since it was first published in 1998. In times of uncertainty, it can provide some clarity as to whether or not Germany's manufacturing sector is expanding or contracting.