In February, Eurocoin - a leading growth indicator from CEPR and Banca d'Italia posted a pretty decent rise to 0.23 from 0.16 in January. The 2 months average is now consistent with growth of 0.3-0.4 percent q/q.
This is the strongest reading in the indicator since July 2014. This time around, gains in Eurocoin indicator were based on improved exports and industrial activity, which is a much better indicator of actual underlying economic performance than gains from stock markets valuations that drove Eurocoin over previous months.
Nonetheless, Eurocoin remains well below its historical average of 0.32. 3mo average through February 2015 is 0.17 against 3 mo average through February 2014 of 0.32, so, once again, growth conditions, albeit improving, remain weak.
The above is confirmed by the recent weakening in the outlook for France. Yesterday, French Government lowered its forecast for Q1 growth from 0.4% to 0.3%.
As ECB went into its much hyped QE, the monetary policy remains firmly 'anchored' in zero growth corner:
No comments:
Post a Comment