The IHS Markit Eurozone Manufacturing PMI stood at 47.8 in April 2019, up from March’s 47.5 and compared to market expectations of 47.9. Still, the latest reading was at its second-lowest level since April 2013 as output fell for a third month in a row and new orders were down for the seventh consecutive time. In addition, input buying decreased and employment growth remained close to stagnation. Looking ahead, business confidence fell to the weakest since 2012 amid concerns about rising political uncertainty, including Brexit, trade wars and protectionism.