Singapore's manufacturing PMI slowed to 50.8 in November

But here's the flip side.

According to DBS, November PMIs turned out slightly mixed. The overall manufacturing PMI eased by 0.4pt to 50.8 although sector still remains in expansion mode and for nine consecutive months.

Here's more:

New orders, production index, imports of raw material and stock of finished goods indexes have all dipped marginally as production activity within the manufacturing sector moderated.

This could essentially reflect the approach of the year end lull as the earlier Christmas season orders were met and delivered.

Nonetheless, with the improved global outlook, manufacturers will have a lot to look forward to in 2014. Barring the upcoming Lunar New Year effect, regional demand will stay buoyant and export sales should remain brisk.

Moreover, the electronics PMI has provided additional optimism. The sector expanded further to 51.2, an increase of 0.2pt from the previous month.

The readings indicated further growth in new orders from domestic and overseas markets. Electronics production output, imports and inputs prices increased while stocks of finished goods declined further. For now, all is still well for this sector, after having picked up from its cyclical doldrum last year.

Although there are signs that manufacturers could be embarking of destocking in anticipation of the seasonal lull earlier next year.