French private sector output rose for a second consecutive month in April, although the rate of expansion eased to a marginal pace. This was signalled by the Markit Flash France Composite Output Index, based on around 85% of normal monthly survey replies, posting 50.5, down from 51.8 in March. Weaker rates of output growth were recorded in both the service and manufacturing sectors during April. Services activity rose only fractionally, while manufacturers indicated a modest increase in production. Latest data pointed to a stagnation of new business during April, following a modest rise in the previous month. A ... (full story)