The euro area manufacturing PMI fell to 50.5 from 51.4 in December 2018. Eurozone business activity is in stagnation, IHS Markit reports. The decline of the index is been marked for the sixth consecutive month. Its value has decreased to a minimum since November 2014 level. An indicator below 50 points indicates a decline in economic activity, and above 50 points - growth. Countries other than Germany and Italy, are in the positive zone for now. In Germany, the decline was recorded for the first time in 4 years, in Italy it is gaining momentum. The consumer goods sector continues to grow steadily. The investment goods industry is experiencing a deteriorating business environment for the first time in 5.5 years. The reduction in new orders placed in the eurozone was the sharpest since April 2013. Stocks of finished products have risen for the 4th consecutive month to a 20-year-high. Inflation grew faster than average production costs. The eurozone economy grew by 1.8% in 2018.
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