Growth in emerging markets remain subdued in March: HSBC

05 Apr 2013 Evaluate

Indicating a subdued rate of economic growth in global emerging markets, the HSBC Emerging Markets Index (EMI), a monthly indicator stood at 52.6 in March almost unchanged from the February reading at 52.4. The rate of input price inflation in emerging markets slowed from February's ten-month high to the weakest since August 2012, driven by weaker cost pressures in manufacturing. 

Among the largest economies covered, faster growth in China was countered by weaker expansions in Brazil, India and Russia. The business expectation for the next 12 months continue to be robust for Chinese businesses, while outlooks for output moderated since February in the three remaining BRIC economies. In part, the lift reflects stronger activity in China, where the Lunar New Year holidays had dampened output previously.

Manufacturing across emerging markets showed signs of stabilization in March after cooling the previous month. The HSBC composite manufacturing and services PMI for China increased in March to 53.7 from 51.4 the previous month, while for India declined to 51.4 in March from 54.8 in February, Brazil (to 51 from 52.9) and Russia (to 53.4 from 54.9).

However, among the developed nation, financial uncertainties continue to weigh on growth in Europe; in the United States, the latest surge in business investment may be fading while demand will be impacted by fiscal cutbacks.

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