Eurozone PMI Services was finalized at 55.0 in March, up from Februar’s 52.7. PMI Composite was finalized at 53.7, up from prior month’s 52.0. Both indexes were at their 10-month highs.
Looking at PMI Composite of some member states, improvements were seen in Spain (58.2, 16-month high), Italy (55.2, 16-month high), France (52.7, 10-month high), and Germany (52.6, 10-month high). Ireland dropped to 52.8, 2-month low.
Joe Hayes, Senior Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence said eurozone economy is rebounding from the slowdown seen in late 2022, and for now, appears to be clear of a recession.
He noted that March’s economic activity increase was driven by strong growth in the service sector, but highlighted that growth varies across countries, with significant contributions from Spain and Italy. However, modest activity levels in Germany and France suggest a more conservative outlook for the eurozone’s overall economic health.
Hayes also mentioned that the case for further interest rate hikes remains strong, as inflation rates, though cooling from their peaks, continue to run high, especially in the service sector.
