Germany's Composite PMI Slightly Rises to 48.80

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: seekingalpha

Updated: 5 days ago

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Source: seekingalpha

PMI Data Improvement: Germany's Composite PMI rose slightly to 48.80 in May from 48.40 in April, surpassing the market estimate of 48.6, indicating a minor recovery in economic activity, yet still remaining in contraction territory.
Service Sector Contraction: The S&P Global Germany Services PMI was revised up to 48.1 in May from a preliminary 47.8, but still below the 50 threshold, reflecting that service demand is stifled by rising energy costs and increased uncertainty.
Economic Outlook Concerns: Economist Phil Smith noted that the ongoing contraction in the service sector raises the prospect of an overall economic downturn in Q2, despite a solid performance in Q1, highlighting the fragility of the recovery.
Spending Power Constraints: Consumer spending power is squeezed by rising energy costs, and although the rates of decline in business activity and new work have eased, the overall economy still faces downside risks, suggesting a modest slowdown in Q2.

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About GF

The New Germany Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation primarily through investment in middle-market German equities. The focus of the Fund's investments lies within Germany. Under normal market conditions at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets are invested in equity or equity-linked securities. The Fund invests in range of sectors, which include aerospace and defense; auto components; automobiles; banks; building products; chemicals; electrical equipment; independent power and renewable electricity producers; insurance; Internet and direct marketing retail; information technology (IT) services, life sciences tools and services; metals and mining; real estate management and development; software; textiles, apparel and luxury goods; trading companies and distributors; diversified financial services; commercial services and supplies, and others. The Fund's investment advisor is DWS International GmbH.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

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Slight Service Sector Improvement: Despite the overall PMI decline, the Eurozone services sector saw a minor uptick, with the S&P Global Services PMI Business Activity Index rising to 47.7 from 47.6 in April, marking a two-month high and suggesting resilience in some areas.
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