July PMI® data pointed to a sharp expansion in French service sector activity as the economy continued to recover following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. The latest rise in output was supported by the first increase in new orders for five months, which was centred on strength in the domestic market. However, despite activity growth and improved demand conditions, firms continued to pare back their staff numbers. The headline seasonally adjusted IHS Markit France Services Business Activity Index – which is based on a single question asking respondents to report on the actual change in business ... (full story)