Dutch manufacturing PMI grows for 10th straight month in April: Poll

AMSTERDAM: Business activity in the Dutch manufacturing sector grew for the 10th straight month in April, albeit at the slowest rate in nine months as output and new orders grew less briskly.

The seasonally adjusted NEVI/DPA Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 53.4 in April from 53.7 a month earlier, index compiler Markit's data showed on Thursday.

"Although easing to a six-month low, output growth at Dutch manufacturers remained solid during April," Markit said. "The slower rise in production reflected a moderation in the rate of expansion of new orders to the weakest since last July."

Employment in the Dutch manufacturing sector rose, with purchasing managers polled by Markit saying higher staffing levels were driven by increased activity and efforts to expand capacity.

Quantities of raw materials and semi-finished goods purchased for use in production also rose in April.