Italy’s services sector posted growth in April

Reuters reports that Italy’s services sector expanded for the fifth consecutive month in April. Additionally, the pace of growth accelerated, driven by a boost in new businesses. 

Hamburg Commercial Bank’s (HCOB) Chief Economist, Cyrus de la Rubia, highlights relatively steady expansion of Italy’s services sector. The HCOB Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for services ticked up to 52.9 last month from 52.0 in March, surpassing the 50.0 level that separates growth from contraction. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast the PMI for Italy’s services to reach 51.4. 

The new business sub-index also rose to 52.7, up from the last month’s reading of 51.8. The composite PMI, which includes services and manufacturing, grew to 52.1 in April from 50.5 in March. It was the biggest rebound in almost a year and raised hopes for more sustainable recovery in Italy's economy, Reuters says. 

According to a preliminary estimate by Italy's statistics bureau ISTAT, the country's GDP rose 0.3% in the first three months of 2025, exceeding analysts' expectations.