Greek manufacturing output grows in July as jobs, new orders rise

Greek factory activity grew steadily in July, with production and new orders increasing, leading companies to hire more staff, a survey showed on Wednesday.

Markit's Purchasing Managers' Index for manufacturing, which accounts for about 10 percent of the Greek economy, was unchanged in July at 53.5, above the 50 line denoting expansions in activity. The manufacturing sector has improved steadily since June 2017.

"Growth remained strong in July. Rates of expansion in output and new orders eased, partly reflecting a weaker expansion in new export orders," said Andrew Harker, IHS Markit associate director.

Driving the 14th straight month of growth in output were increased new orders at home and from abroad. Export business grew but at a softer pace than June.

With raw materials prices continuing to rise at a fast pace at the start of the third...