The US December ISM Manufacturing PMI rose for the second consecutive month in December last year, with both orders and production rebounding, indicating that the cloud over the manufacturing industry may begin to dissipate. According to output indicators, the rebound in demand has helped achieve the first month of production growth since May. Meanwhile, the survey shows that more manufacturers are laying off employees at a faster pace. The employment index in December fell to 45.3, a decrease of nearly 3 points, the largest since July last year. Among the five indicators that make up the overall PMI index, all other indicators have improved. Timothy Fiore, Chairman of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, said, "Demand has improved, production execution has achieved the performance of November and the company's goals; layoffs are still ongoing but should end soon, with minimal price growth @ftogghvvb