The global economy is slowing. Elevated energy and food costs, declining real incomes and China’s rolling COVID lockdowns are all taking a toll on activity. Confidence surveys and leading indicators like the purchasing managers indices (PMI) are moderating. Markets are on edge as stubbornly high inflation is forcing central banks to tighten aggressively, despite signs of slowing growth.
One silver lining so far: There are no clear signs of a wage-price spiral in major economies. We are hopeful that inflationary pressures will wane, but the descent will be gradual owing to lasting disruptions in commodity markets.
Against this gloomy backdrop, we have downgraded our growth expectations for western advanced economies. Our outlook does not feature a recession in major markets, but the likelihood of that outcome has risen.
This month’s edition offers a deep dive into the eurozone economy, which faces the biggest risk of stagflation.
The drag on activity from the Ukraine war and the looming slowdown may be taking the edge off wage demands. During uncertain times, workers may prefer to safeguard jobs over seeking higher compensation.
- The incoming data confirms the deteriorating economic conditions across the common currency region. The June PMIs surprised significantly to the downside, dropping to their lowest levels since February 2021. Declines were broad-based across states and industries. Leading indicators such as manufacturing orders and business expectations also fell sharply, pointing to a further slowdown ahead.
- European manufacturers have already been contending with supply-side complications stemming from China’s rolling lockdowns and higher input costs. Shipping from Eastern Europe has been complicated by the war. Gas flows from Moscow to Germany, the region’s growth engine, fell significantly in June, leading to a surge in European gas prices and raising the possibility of rationing.
- Worryingly, Europe’s service economy, which had been underpinning growth, is also starting to lose steam. Most reopening tailwinds have now run their course, which was a key factor behind the service sector’s strong performance. The cost of traveling has skyrocketed, diminishing tourism.
- Government subsidies for energy bills will likely continue to offer some support to European consumers, but won’t be enough to offset the squeeze on real incomes amid rising inflation. Excess household savings have been exhausted, forcing households to pull back. Retail sales have started to show signs of softening in recent months. Consumer confidence has tanked to near an all-time low.
- Economics cannot be separated from politics, especially in France. President Macron failed to gain an absolute majority in the final round of the legislative elections, which could lead to policy paralysis. While it is still possible to strike case-by-case agreements on legislation, the government’s ability to pass unpopular reforms is at risk, including president’s ability to push for greater European integration.
Global Economic Forecast – June 2022
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