Briefly

UNITED STATES

Manufacturing shrinks for 9th straight month

Economic activity in the US manufacturing sector contracted more than expected in November, according to a survey released on Monday. The reading from the Institute for Supply Management fell to 48.2 from 48.7, the ninth straight month of contraction. A rating of 50 separates growth from contraction. The survey pointed to declines in new orders and employment, while prices increased. Of the 15 sectors surveyed, 11 reported contraction, including apparel, fabricated metal productions and transportation equipment.

EUROPE

Airbus hit by fresh A320 quality issue

European planemaker Airbus said on Monday it had detected a "quality issue" affecting metal panels on some A320-family jets, in its latest challenge after a recall to fix a computer glitch. "Airbus confirms it has identified a supplier quality issue affecting a limited number of A320 metal panels," a spokeswoman told AFP, confirming earlier media reports. "The source of the issue has been identified, contained and all newly produced panels conform to all requirements."

Agencies Via Xinhua