March data suggested a difficult month for the German service sector, with output growth slowing sharply and new business intakes falling for the first time since November 2012. Pressure on operating margins continued in latest survey period, as highlighted by a robust increase in cost burdens and only a marginal rise in prices charged by service providers. Despite these unfavourable developments, job hiring was maintained in March and service companies are upbeat overall about the prospects for activity growth over the year ahead. Adjusted for seasonal influences, the final Markit Germany Services Business Activity ... (full story)