Global Economic Activity Shows Mixed Trends in November

U.S. employment declines, Japan's factory activity shrinks, UK's private sector grows, Euro zone and Germany's downturns ease.

U.S. business activity held steady in November, but employment in the private sector declined for the first time in almost three-and-a-half years, according to an S&P Global survey.
Japan's factory activity shrank for a sixth straight month in November, while modest growth in the service sector was little changed, a business survey showed.
The UK's private sector has made a surprise return to growth, according to the initial findings of a closely-watched survey.
The downturn in euro zone business activity eased in November but remained broadbased, suggesting the bloc's economy will contract again this quarter as consumers continue to rein in spending, a survey showed.
Germany's downturn showed signs of easing in November with both manufacturing and services activity falling more slowly than in previous months, a preliminary survey showed, raising hopes that a recession might be shallower than expected.