The ECB is now calling the shots worldwide

Manufacturing is heading down in Asia and heading up in the Eurozone. The US and UK remain positive.

Europe is China’s largest export market. It looks like the weak Euro is having the logical effect on China and surrounding Asia. One may surmise that the euro-effect will prevent anyone in the world from raising interest rates until inflation fears emerge.



-CHINA: PMI was 48.9 in April (preliminary; they may decide to change it later)

–SOUTH KOREA: PMI was 48.8 in April from 49.2 in March.

–INDONESIA: PMI was 46.7 vs. 46.4 in March.

-JAPAN: PMI was 49.9 in April

–INDIA: PMI was 51.3 vs. 52.1 in March.

–EUROZONE: Flash PMI was 52.0 vs. 51.9 for mid-April flash reading and vs. 52.2 end-March.

–GERMANY: PMI was 52.1 vs. 51.9 for mid-April flash reading and vs. 52.8 end-March.

–FRANCE: PMI 48.0 vs. 48.4 for mid-April flash reading and vs. 48.8 end-March.

–ITALY: PMI 53.8 vs. 53.5 expected and 53.3 in March.

–SPAIN: PMI 54.2 vs. 54.3 in March.

-UNITED STATES: PMI 54.1 in April.

-UNITED KINGDOM: PMI 51.9 in April