Published

Eurozone Manufacturing Shrinks Less Than Expected

Factory activity in the eurozone contracted less in May than an earlier flash estimate had indicated, according to London-based Markit Economics.
#economics

Share

Factory activity in the eurozone contracted less in May than an earlier flash estimate had indicated, according to London-based Markit Economics.

Markit says its Purchasing Managers Index for the 17-country area rose to 48.3 last month from 46.7 in April. The gauge has been below 50, which indicates contraction, since July 2011.

PMI rose to a three-month high of 49.4 in Germany, a 13-month high of 46.4 in France, a four-month high of 47.3 in Italy and a two-year high of 48.1 in Spain.

Economists say the improved PMI readings bolster expectations that the eurozone's economy will end its 18-month recession in the current quarter. That forecast is mirrored by European automakers, which report that the region's car market is stabilizing, though at very low levels.

Separately, Markit reports that the U.K. factory activity index climbed to 51.3 in May from a revised 50.2 the month before. The preliminary April estimate was 49.8.

RELATED CONTENT

  • On The German Auto Industry

    A look at several things that are going on in the German auto industry—from new vehicles to stamping to building electric vehicles.

  • On Quantum Navigation, EVs, Auto Industry Sales and more

    Sandia’s quantum navi, three things about EVs, transporting iron ore in an EV during the winter, going underwater in an EV (OK, it is a sub), state of the UK auto industry (sad), why the Big Three likes Big Vehicles, and the future of logistics.

  • GM, Ford Evaluate Possible Economic Slump

    General Motors and Ford say they have bolstered their cash reserves in case the trade war between the U.S. and China triggers a global recession.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions