Business index at 4-month high

Markit Economics said on Monday this was driven by accelerating new orders and the fastest growth of export orders since early 2014.

The survey of 300 industrial companies showed the manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 54.5 in July from 54.3 points in June.

A PMI figure below 50 indicates contraction, while above that level signals expansion.

Output prices increased for the first time since June 2012, Markit reported. (jh)