France: Private-sector activity expands at a softer pace in September
The seasonally-adjusted IHS Markit Flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 50.8 in September from 52.9 in August, which presented a nine-month high. As a result, the index remained above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction in business conditions.
September’s fall was driven by easing activity in the service sector, which expanded at the softest pace in five months, while new orders rose only marginally. Moreover, the manufacturing sector saw a decline in both output and new orders, amid an ebbing European demand. The overall rate of job creation, meanwhile, eased to a five-month low. Business sentiment improved, however, as stronger confidence in the service sector offset easing optimism in manufacturing.