According to forecasters, economic growth in the eurozone has stagnated or even contracted in the third quarter of this year, with the cumulative effect of successive increases in interest rates by the European Central Bank. Twenty-five of the 29 economists surveyed predicted that the three-quarter eurozone GDP data released next Tuesday (31 October) would indicate that GDP either stagnated or contracted. Another report is expected to show a marked weakening of inflation in October. According to information received, European Central Bank President Lagarde had indicated to EU leaders earlier this week that the eurozone economy would be at risk of stagnation and downside risks in the coming quarters. If the data show, as expected, a contraction or stagnation in the euro economy, the region ' s economy will grow in only one quarter in the last four quarters.