Los datos muestran que la actividad económica en la zona euro se ha desacelerado significativamente y el riesgo de estanflación ha aumentado.

People Finance News, 8 April — Data released on 7 April by S&P Global show that, driven by factors such as the Middle East conflict raising energy costs and disrupting supply chains, economic activity in the euro zone’s private sector slowed markedly in March. According to the data, the euro zone’s March composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) final reading fell from 51.9 in February to 50.7, the lowest level in nine months. By industry, the euro zone’s March services PMI final reading slid from 51.9 in February to 50.2, the lowest level in 10 months. Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said that the March PMI data indicate that the Middle East conflict has dealt a severe blow to the euro zone economy. He said that, due to factors including soaring energy prices, impeded supply chains, volatility in financial markets, and a renewed decline in demand, the growth signs that had appeared in the euro zone at the start of this year are now no longer present, and that rising prices have also sparked concerns about stagflation in the short term and even worse outcomes. Williamson said that unless the Middle East conflict is resolved quickly, the euro zone economy may face contraction risk in the second quarter of this year. Even if the conflict ends quickly, the destructive impact of the fighting on the energy market may persist for several months. (Xinhua)