European factories ended on a high while Asian activity grew moderately thanks to demand in China.

In December, activity in eurozone manufacturing rose at its fastest pace since mid 2018 i.

H s markets final manufacturing PM I in the block rose to 55.2 in December, the highest reading since May 2018 and well up on November's 53.8.

Anything above 50 is a sign of growth.

Germany was again the main engine of growth there in Asia.

PM I surveys showed manufacturing activity expanded in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

In Japan, output stabilized for the first time in two years.

It's another sign that many manufacturers in Asia have bounced back from the damage caused by the health crisis.

But it wasn't all positive in the region.

In China, factory activity slowed last month.

The country's PM I fell in December 2 53 its lowest level in three months, though it did stay above the 50 level while the end of 2020 brought some signs of growth going forward, the recovery outlook was clouded by the prospect of new global restrictions arising, infections has forced many countries to reimpose strict controls and economic activity, which could hurt large exporters like China on Germany.