Manufacturing activity in Brazil expanded in October as strong demand prompted firms to increase payrolls for the first time in three months, bolstering the outlook for a steady economic recovery. The Purchasing Managers' Index calculated by research firm Markit rose to 51.1 from 50.9 in September, holding above the 50 threshold separating a contraction from an expansion for a fourth straight month.
UK interest rates have been held at a record low of 0.5% for another month by the Bank of England. It also decided to maintain its quantitative easing program, designed to stimulate lending in the economy, at the £375bn already spent.
A survey measuring business activity in the Euro zone shows the economy remains stuck in a rut, according to the company behind the report. The Euro zone purchasing managers index (PMI) fell to 52 in September, down from an initial estimate of 52.3.