Global manufacturing activity appeared to be steadying after a long slowdown, but is set to suffer a fresh setback due to China’s isolation in response to the coronavirus outbreak. January surveys of factories in Asia and Europe showed a slower decline in output, with shrinking inventories and stabilizing new orders pointing to a rebound in activity over coming months. A similar reading for U.S. manufacturing activity is expected to reinforce that message Monday.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 03, 2020 10:41 UTC