Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Italy Is Sick

Joe WeisenthalFeb 10, 2014, 14:56 IST

If you hear the phrase "sick man" and "Europe" in a sentence, then you probably expect to hear "France" mentioned very soon.

But increasingly that honor ought to be awarded to Italy.

In December, Industrial Production plunged 0.9% vs. expectations of no change.

Via Fast FT, here's a chart of shriveling Industrial Production.

Istat

This is far from the only number that's been bad.

According to Markit, both the Italian Service and Retail sectors are in contraction (Manufacturing is doing better).

So when will the ECB act?