Factory slowdown in China, Europe raises alarm bells
Factory activity in June both in China and the eurozone, disappointed the market and deepened concerns about weakening global demand.
The Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) eased to 50.5 in June from 50.9 in May, indicating a marginal expansion in activity. The 50-point mark separates growth from contraction.
The figure, combined with Friday's official survey that showed factory activity extending declines, adds to evidence the world's No 2 economy lost momentum in the second quarter as demand weakened.
The Caixin manufacturing PMI surveys around 650 private and state-owned manufacturers and, according to economists, focuses more on export-oriented firms in coastal regions, while the official PMI surveys 3,200 companies across China.
Additionally, China's growing youth unemployment rate could trigger political problems if not properly handled. China's unemployment rate among those aged between 16 and 24 reached a record of 20.8 percent in May.
In the eurozone, HCOB's final manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, fell to 43.4 from May's 44.8, its lowest since the Covid pandemic was cementing its grip on the world, below a preliminary reading of 43.6 and further from the 50 mark separating growth from contraction.
"There is growing evidence that the capital-intensive industrial sector is reacting negatively to the ECB's interest rate hikes," said Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank.
Data due later yesterday was expected to show a further contraction in the United States.
Source: AP
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section- ... larm-bells