Eurozone factory activity ramps up
- 7 years ago
There was a strong start to the new year for factory activity in the eurozone.
Surveys show it increased at the fastest rate in nearly six years.
Manufacturers also said they are more optimistic than they have been in almost five years despite the heightened political uncertainty caused by Brexit and populism that might have an effect on general elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany in the months ahead.
Factory purchasing managers also reported mounting costs and prices.
That would be good news for the policymakers at the European Central Bank who want to see inflation rising faster to avoid the region falling into a state of deflation.
Surveys show it increased at the fastest rate in nearly six years.
Manufacturers also said they are more optimistic than they have been in almost five years despite the heightened political uncertainty caused by Brexit and populism that might have an effect on general elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany in the months ahead.
Factory purchasing managers also reported mounting costs and prices.
That would be good news for the policymakers at the European Central Bank who want to see inflation rising faster to avoid the region falling into a state of deflation.