Spain's manufacturing sector began the year on a weak note, with new orders falling at their fastest rate in nine months despite a stabilisation in production, a survey showed on Monday. The HCOB Spain Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, dropped to 49.2 in January from 49.6 in December, remaining below the 50 mark that indicates growth in activity. The decline in new orders was driven by hesitancy among clients, both domestically and internationally, amid ongoing global uncertainties.