Despite hitting a 40-month low in November, manufacturing activity not only rose, but expanded in December, concluding the year with a positive sign of growth.

Both the Institute for Supply Management and Markit’s U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Manager Index indicated growth.

Gabriel Debenedetti reported for Reuters that despite concerns over the “fiscal cliff,” 20% of companies faced increased demand.

‘With recent indications that growth is also picking up in other key economies around the world, notably in emerging markets such as China and Brazil, and that the euro zone's economic crisis is easing, U.S. companies should benefit as stronger demand lifts exports in early 2013,’ said Markit Chief Economist Chris Williamson.

Read more here.