GLOBAL ECONOMY - Global Factories Struggled in July as Demand Waned, PMIs Show

MANUFACTURING - LONDON/TOKYO. Manufacturers across Europe and Asia turned in a weak performance last month as factories grappled with tepid demand, surveys showed on Thursday, raising the risk of an underpowered global economic recovery.

It was a broadbased downturn in the euro zone while a slump in China's manufacturing activity suppressed its Asian neighbours. British factories bucked the trend and recorded their best month for two years, with output and hiring rising.