‘Factory activity extends growth, input costs soar’

India’s factory activity expanded for the seventh straight month in February, driven by strong demand and increased output, according to a private sector survey that also showed input-cost inflation hitting a 32-month high. Although the Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, compiled by IHS Markit, eased slightly to 57.5 in February from 57.7 in January, it was well above the 50-level separating growth from contraction.