The Italian manufacturing
purchasing managers index (PMI) compiled by IHS/ Markit fell to
its lowest level in four years in October.
The PMI index fell to 49.1 points from 50 in September,
compared to forecasts of 49.7.
This is the lowest level since December 2014.
Level 50 is the threshold between the expansion and
contraction of the cycle.
The contraction in manufacturing activity was the first since
August 2016.
The data "represents another hit to Italy's growth after the
stagnation of the third quarter", economists said.
It could have a "negative impact" on fourth-quarter growth,
they said.
GRowth was flat in the third quarter of this year, national
statistics agency ISTAT said Wednesday.
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