A survey has shown that a key indicator of growth in the euro zone slowed for the second month in a row in June due to weaker exports and domestic demand and a slowdown in orders.
The purchasing managers' index (PMI) compiled by data and research group Markit fell to 56 in June, confirming an earlier estimate, down slightly from May and the post-recession peak of 57.3 in April.
Any score above the 50-point line indicates economic growth. The index has been above that threshold for 11 consecutive months now.
Separate figures from Eurostat showed that retail sales in the euro zone rose by a lower than expected 0.2% in May from April, when they had dropped 0.9%. Retail sales were up 0.3% compared with may last year.
Euro zone growth 'may have peaked'
'The euro zone PMI data indicate that growth in the region is likely to have peaked and the risks have increased of a further easing in coming months,' said Markit chief economist Chris Williamson.
The main engine of the economic recovery, export growth, has weakened and domestic demand 'remains in the doldrums', he said.
In the service sector, the PMI dropped to 55.5 points in June from 56.2 in May. It was higher than Markit's previous estimate of 55.4 for June. The manufacturing index also dropped to 55.6 points in June from 55.8 a month earlier.
