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Euro zone investor morale slumps, recession 'becoming visible'

Sentix said the traces of the Ukraine conflict are becoming increasingly visible in the euro zone economy
Sentix said the traces of the Ukraine conflict are becoming increasingly visible in the euro zone economy

Investor morale in the euro zone fell in May to its lowest level since June 2020, a survey showed today, dropping for the third month in a row as the impact of the war in Ukraine on Europe's largest economy becomes increasingly clear.

Sentix's index for the euro zone fell to -22.6 in May from -18 in April. A Reuters poll had pointed to a May reading of -20.8.

"The global economy is facing a 'perfect storm'," Sentix Managing Director Manfred Huebner said in a statement.

"The traces of the Ukraine conflict are also becoming increasingly visible in the economy," he said, adding of the euro area: "The recession is becoming visible."

A current conditions index fell to -10.5 in May from -5.5 in April, declining for the third month in a row to its lowest level since March 2021.

An expectations index fell to -34.0 in May from -29.8 in April, also declining for the third month in a row and hitting its lowest level since December 2008.