-
EZ output and new orders decline at softest rates since early-2023
March HCOB PMI® data continued to signal contraction within the eurozone’s manufacturing industry, although there were further signs of positive momentum building as the respective indices for output and new orders maintained their recent upward trajectories. Business confidence also rose to its highest level in nearly a year, but growth expectations remained relatively weak, which weighed further on factory employment. Supply chain constraints meanwhile alleviated markedly, with delivery times recording their greatest improvement in six months. Input costs continued to fall, albeit at the slowest pace in a year, ... (full story)