US S&P Global Services PMI Final (Mar) 49.8 vs. Exp. 51.1 (Prev. 51.7)

"Worst hit is consumer-facing service sectors where, barring the pandemic lockdowns, the downturn reported in March was among the steepest recorded since data were first available in 2009. However, financial services and tech, both of which performed strongly last year, have shown some signs of weaker performance amid financial market volatility and concerns over higher interest rates, which have deterred investment."
“Key to the deteriorating growth trend is a pull-back in spending amid worsening affordability, with costs and selling prices surging higher in March amid spiking energy prices."
“The stagflationary environment of stalled growth and surging price pressures pictured by the PMI presents a major challenge to policymakers, especially with the March survey also indicating falling employment."
"A concern is that the energy disruption unleashed by the war in the Middle East may well have an impact that lasts far longer than any actual conflict and may test the resilience of business and households over the coming months.”