(ANSA) - ROME, APR 18 - In Germany, the phase of weakness in the manufacturing sector continues. The PMI reported by Ihs Markit in April rose to 44.5 points from 44.1 in March. The figure did not meet the expectations of economists, who forecast a rise to 45 pts, and remained below 50, that is below the threshold between expansion and contraction. The PMI index, which monitors the 'mood' in the services sector, stood at 55.6 points from 55.4. The composite index rose up to 52.1 from 51.4. (ANSA).