CNBC takes a quick look — 2:52 minutes — at the major disruptor companies in the manufacturing sector.  The 5 companies: 3D Robotics, Makerbot, Quirky, Shapeways, Rethink Robotics are redefining the business of manufacturing. Click here to view the video at CNBC

The South Korea Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index increased for the third successive month, rising to 50.1, from 49.4 in November. South Korea’s manufacturing sector ended 2019 strong,  The country’s latest PMI data showed output and new orders have now moved into expansion (PMI > 50) for the first time since October 2018.  Improving export demand …

The Taiwan dollar strengthened past 30 versus the greenback this week for the first time in 18 months. The Taiwan dollar has climbed about 3.6% in the second half of the year as the best performer among the world’s major currencies. Speculation abounds Taiwan’s central bank has been intervening in the market to slow the …