The rate of decline in French private sector output eased further in July. The Markit Flash France Composite Output Index, based on around 85% of normal monthly survey replies, post ed 48.8, up from 47.4 in June. The latest reading was the highest since February 2012 and indicative of only a moderate pace of contraction. In the service sector , business activity fell at the slowest rate for 11 months in July. In manufacturing , output increased for the first time since February 2012, and at the fastest pace for over two years. The weaker drop in overall output across the French private sector economy reflected a ... (full story)