France: PMI hits eleven-month high in June
The IHS Markit Flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 57.1 in June from May’s 57.0, marking the best reading since July 2020. As a result, the index moved further above the 50-threshold, signaling a faster improvement in business conditions compared to the previous month.
June’s improvement chiefly reflected the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, with business activity expanding robustly, particularly in the services sector. Moreover, new orders grew markedly in the month boosted by firming demand conditions both at home and abroad. Meanwhile, firms continued to raise employment levels, with the fastest rate of job creation in three months. On the price front, input cost inflation continued its upward trend amid ongoing supply shortages and increasing shipping costs. In addition, output charges rose at the fastest clip in a decade as firms transferred costs to clients. Lastly, although confidence eased slightly from the previous month, firms remained optimistic over the outlook.