Eurozone flash manufacturing PMI hits 26-month lows of 52.1 in October

The Eurozone manufacturing sector activity continued to decelerate in the month of October, the latest manufacturing activity survey from IHS/Markit research showed.

The Eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) dropped further to 52.1 in October while services PMI edged higher to 53.3 versus 54.7 last.

The IHS Markit Eurozone PMI Composite dropped from 54.1 in September to 52.7 in October, hitting fresh 25-month lows.

Comments from Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit:

“The pace of Eurozone economic growth slipped markedly lower in October, with the PMI setting the scene for a disappointing end to the year. The survey is indicative of GDP growth waning to 0.3% in the fourth quarter, and forward-looking indicators, such as measures of future expectations and new business inflows, suggest further momentum could be lost in coming months.”

“The slowdown is being led by a drop in exports, linked in turn by many survey respondents to trade wars and tariffs, which appears to have darkened the global economic environment and led to increased risk aversion. It is therefore not surprising to see the slowdown broadening out across the economy, hitting the service sector.”

“The survey will make for uncomfortable reading at the ECB. Although the survey’s price gauges remain elevated and close to seven-year highs, the headline PMI has fallen to a level that would historically be consistent with a bias towards loosening monetary policy in order to prevent any further deterioration of economic growth.”