Orders from North America and China in particular helped boost growth in Dutch manufacturing orders to an eight-month high, according to the latest Nevi purchasing managers index.

December’s rise was the 18th monthly increase in a row.
The Nevi index stood at 57.5 last month, compared with 56.5 in November. A score higher than 50 means industrial activity is increasing.
Many companies are now taking on new staff to meet demand, Nevi said.