Eurozone PMI composite dropped to 47.1, economy to contract in Q4, risks on downside

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Eurozone PMI Manufacturing dropped from 48.4 to 46.6 in October, a 29-month low. PMI Services dropped from 48.8 to 48.2, a 20-month low. PMI Composite dropped from 48.1 to 47.1, a 23-month low.

Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence said: “The eurozone economy looks set to contract in the fourth quarter given the steepening loss of output and deteriorating demand picture seen in October, adding to speculation that a recession is looking increasingly inevitable.

“While October’s headline flash PMI is consistent with GDP falling at a modest rate of around 0.2%, demand is falling sharply and companies are increasingly growing worried over high inventories and weaker than expected sales, especially as winter approaches. The risks are therefore tilted towards the downturn accelerating towards the year-end.”