Economics

Euro-Area April Manufacturing Contracts for 21st Month: Economy

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Euro-area manufacturing output contracted for a 21st straight month in April, adding to pressure on the European Central Bank to cut interest rates to spur lending and growth.

A gauge of manufacturing in the 17-nation euro area declined to 46.7 last month from 46.8 in March, London-based Markit Economics said today. That’s above an initial estimate of 46.5 on April 23. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.