German private sector growth eased in April with activity reaching levels close to stagnation, a survey by Markit Economics revealed Monday.
The composite output index, that measures performance of both manufacturing and services, fell to a five-month low of 50.9 in April from 51.6 in March. A reading above 50 indicates expansion of the sector, while a reading below 50 suggests contraction.
Economists expected a reading of 49.3. New order volumes across the German private sector as a whole declined for the second month running in April.
"Germany's economy continued to rest on a knife edge of recession in April, with modest service sector growth only just counterbalancing the escalating manufacturing downturn," Markit senior economist Tim Moore said.
The manufacturing purchasing managers' index tumbled to a 33-month low of 46.3 in April from 48.4 in March. This confounded economists' forecast for an increase to 49.
The services activity index rose marginally to 52.6 from 52.1 in March. Expectations were for reading of 52.3.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Economic News
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.