标普全球1月份香港采购经理指数升至52.3 出口订单增幅近三年最高

Group 1 - The Hong Kong Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose from 51.9 in December to 52.3 in January, indicating a sustained and strong improvement in the business environment [1] - Business activity has increased for six consecutive months, with the expansion rate remaining stable month-on-month, driven primarily by the services sector, followed by wholesale and retail, while manufacturing and construction showed opposite trends [1] - The increase in new orders was significant, marking the second-highest expansion rate since May 2023, attributed to companies adjusting market strategies and launching new products, alongside improved demand from overseas and mainland markets [1] Group 2 - Input costs rose at a slower pace in January, but overall increases remain significant, with businesses reporting rising raw material prices as a key factor for higher procurement costs [2] - Employee costs saw a moderate increase, with the smallest rise since September of the previous year, as companies attempted to pass on costs to customers through higher prices, although many offered discounts to stimulate sales [2] - Despite improved market demand, businesses remain pessimistic about the outlook for the coming year, with negative sentiment reaching its highest level in five months, influenced by factors such as U.S. trade policies, intense market competition, and a sluggish global economy [2]