Er... what is PMI?
Where do you see this?
In economic news stories about the manufacturing sector.
What does it mean?
PMI stands for the Purchasing Managers' Index, a monthly barometer of manufacturing activity.
A PMI reading can be any number from zero to 100. A number above 50 means that manufacturing is expanding, while one below 50 means that it is contracting.
Many countries have their own version of the PMI. It is a composite index that combines data like new orders, production and inventory levels, and employment in the manufacturing sector.
Why is it important?
The PMI is easily the earliest monthly indicator of how a country's manufacturing sector is faring.
So you want to use the term. Just say...
"The economy is on the growth path. Just look at how Singapore's PMI went above 50 last month."
invest, The Sunday Times, October 13, 2013, Pg 43