Egypt’s PMI reports 50.2 in September 2015

Egypt’s Purchasing Manager Index (PMI), an index derived from monthly surveys that reflects private non-oil sector health, reported 50.2 in September 2015, down from eight-month high of 51.2 in August 2015. Readings above the neutral 50 mark signal an improvement in business conditions on previous month, while readings below 50 show deterioration. Growth of Egypt’s non-oil private sector was sustained in September 2015, albeit at a weaker pace. Latest improvement in business conditions was fractional, reflecting slower expansions in both output and new business. A further reduction in employment also contributed to this slowdown. Meanwhile, input buying stagnated, after having risen solidly during August 2015. On prices front, output charges fell for first time since May 2015, while currency depreciation (particularly against US dollar) led to another sharp rise in firm’s purchase prices.