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France Manufacturing PMI falls to 40-month low in September as downturns in output and new orders gather pace
France's manufacturing sector fell deeper into contraction during September, latest HCOB PMI® data showed, with production and new orders falling at one of their sharpest rates in almost three-and-a-half years. Other indicators also portrayed a bleak picture of current conditions, with purchasing activity, inventories and employment posting declines and signalling firms' efforts to retrench and improve cashflow. Considerable weakness was also seen regarding the business outlook, contributing to firms' decision to discount their prices charged for the fourth successive month. The seasonally adjusted HCOB France ... (full story)