The Markit Flash Eurozone Composite Output Index gave back the ground it made in July, posting 52.8 in August, down from 53.8. The headline index has now remained above the neutral 50.0 mark for 14 successive months. Although the rate of increase was broadly in line with the average for the current sequence of expansion, it was nonetheless the joint-weakest in the year-to-date and consistent with only a low pace of GDP growth (approximately 0.3%). Output increased in both the manufacturing and service sectors, with service providers again reporting the sharper rate of expansion. However, rates of growth eased in both ... (full story)