Private sector activity in France rose for the first time in four months during June as restrictions related to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic continued to be lifted. Output growth was recorded in both the manufacturing and service sectors, with the former posting its quickest rise in production since February 2018. Both readings were in stark contrast to the sharp declines registered over the past three months. Despite widespread reports of the reopening of businesses, demand conditions remained subdued in June, with new orders continuing to decline. That said, the latest reduction was by far the softest since ... (full story)