The worldwide Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) surveys compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence indicated that global trade expanded at the start of the second quarter of 2024, thereby concluding the contraction streak of just over two years. The seasonally adjusted Global PMI New Export Orders Index posted 50.6 in April, up from 49.8 in March. Although marginal, the latest rise in global trade conditions signalled the first improvement since February 2022. Moreover, the latest uptick in trade conditions was broad-based with both manufacturing and services export business rising in April. Broad-based ... (full story)