Czech manufacturing activity declined for a 17th straight month in October due to falling output and orders, the S&P Global Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) showed on Wednesday.

The headline PMI edged up to 42.0 from 41.7 in September, still well below the 50 mark dividing expansion from contraction. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a reading of 42.3. The survey showed manufacturers reported an increase in postponements or cancellations of orders, while job cuts came at the second-fastest pace since June 2020.

Input and selling prices continued to fall, the survey said, as firms tried to stay competitive and pass savings onto customers. Month/Year 10/23 09/23 10/22 Purchasing Managers' Index 42.0 41.7 41.7 Output 43.3 42.6 37.9 **  (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Christina Fincher)