So-called flash readings of manufacturing and services activity went in different directions in December. The flash U.S. manufacturing PMI rose to 55 from 53.9 in November, while the flash U.S. services activity index fell to 52.4 from 54.5. Any reading above 50 indicates improving conditions. A flash reading is based on 85%-90% of total PMI survey responses each month. Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said the surveys point to an economy growing at annual rate of just over 2% in the fourth quarter.
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