Global factory business activity jumps to near 4-year hig

Global factory business activity grew at its fastest pace in nearly four years in December as new orders growth accelerated at a rate not seen in more that five and a half years, a survey showed on Monday. The global index, produced by JP Morgan with research and supply management organizations, rose to 55.0 in December from 53.7 in November. The new orders index also rose sharply, to 58.6 from 56.7, a level not seen since May 2004.