German factory outlook turns negative as PMI hits 51.4
The German manufacturing PMI fell to 51.4 in April as sentiment turned negative for the first time since 2024. Rising costs and supply delays weighed on firms.
Germany manufacturing sentiment turned negative in April as the HCOB PMI fell to 51.4 from 52.2 in March. It is the first time business expectations have dipped into negative territory since October 2024. Investors face a sector where current growth relies on frontloaded orders rather than sustainable long-term demand.
### Manufacturing Growth Hits Three-Month Low The manufacturing index, compiled by S&P GLOBAL INC, remained above the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction. While output rose for a fourth consecutive month, the pace of expansion slowed to a three-month low. Phil Smith at S&P Global Market Intelligence said the current growth appears to be on borrowed time due to deteriorating business expectations.
