Global Manufacturing Slumps as China's Growth Falters

Global factory activity remained in a slump in July, with private surveys showing a contraction in manufacturing activity in various regions. The slowdown in growth and weakness in China were identified as key factors impacting the world economy. The euro zone, including Germany, France, and Italy, experienced significant manufacturing contractions, while the UK also saw a decline in factory output. Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam also faced manufacturing contractions due to sluggish Chinese demand. However, the Americas, including the US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico, showed relative stability in factory activity, with Mexico even experiencing expansion to a seven-year high.