Surveys of purchasing managers by IHS Markit indicated business activity slowed in the region using the euro. Signs of strength in manufacturing were countered by weakness in the service sector, especially in places where coronavirus outbreaks are flaring, the report said.
At a House of Representatives committee hearing Tuesday, Powell said the economy appears to be improving, but some areas appear to be slowing after the expiration of extra weekly unemployment benefits and other stimulus that Congress approved in March. He will testify for a second of three day on Wednesday.
India's Sensex gave up early gains to drop 0.8%, to 37,428.46, while the Shanghai Composite index added 0.2% to 3,279.71.