Pandemic Measures Cast Pall On Euro Zone Investor Morale

• Investor morale in the euro zone in December fell to its lowest level since April as renewed restrictions to contain a fourth wave of coronavirus infections clouded the growth outlook, a survey showed on Monday. 
• Sentix's index, which is used to measure investor morale for the euro zone fell to 13.5 from 18.3 the previous month. Analysts on average had expected a December reading of 15.9, according to a Reuters poll. 
• Tightened lockdown measures, especially in Germany and Austria, considerably dampened the assessment of current conditions in the euro zone, said Sentix Managing Director Manfred Huebner. 
• "A slowdown and even a recession no longer seem to be ruled out now. These lockdowns hit the economy harder than before," Huebner said..

(Source: Reuters)