The index of business activity in the eurozone declined in March

According to S&P Global, the composite PMI business activity index in industry and services of 19 eurozone countries fell to 54.9 points in March. In February, the indicator was marked at the level of 55.5 points. 

Analysts expected the indicator to remain at the level of a preliminary estimate of 54.5 points.

The PMI index in the service sector alone, according to the final estimate, rose to 55.6 points from 55.5 points in February. Analysts had expected the indicator at 54.8 points.

The index of business activity in industry and services of Europe's largest economy, Germany, fell to 55.1 points from the February level of 55.6 points. At the same time, analysts predicted a decrease in the indicator to 54.6 points. The German services PMI rose to 56.1 points from 55.8 points in February, analysts expected a decline to 55 points.

The PMI in France rose in March from the February level of 55.5 points to 56.3. Experts expected an increase to 56.2 points. The service sector showed an increase in the PMI to 57.4 points from 55.5 points a month earlier. The indicator coincided with the preliminary assessment and forecast of analysts.