Growth in economic activity was seen slightly disrupted in the European Zone and the UK, seeing mixed readings in both the manufacturing and services sectors in December.
According to preliminary PMI estimates data released just now, services activity in Germany failed to grow this month, with a record of 48.4 from 52.7 previously.
This is the first time in 8 months the sector has experienced a contraction due to new pressures from the fourth wave of coronaviruses and restrictions imposed.
Meanwhile, manufacturing activity registered a slight increase in December, at 57.9 from 57.4 previously. This indicates that the growth of the manufacturing sector is still strong in Europe's largest economy despite the new threat of Covid-19.
Overall, the services sector in the European Zone declined to 53.3 from 55.9 recorded last month. Meanwhile, manufacturing activity expanded at a slower pace at 58.0 from 58.4.
Meanwhile, economic activity in the UK also recorded a mixed reading last month, showing the services sector declining to 53.2 from 58.5 previously.
Manufacturing activity was slightly better than expected, but declined from the previous reading with an increase of 57.6 from 58.1, and the market forecast to increase to 57.5.
In line with the publication of this data, euro and pound trading did not appear to be affected by continuing higher gains as the main focus of investors now shifted to the policy meeting of the Central Bank of England (BOE) and European (ECB) tonight.
