The latest flash PMI data signalled that French private sector output stabilised in August. This ended a three - month period of contraction. After accounting for seasonal factors, the Markit Flash France Composite Output Index , based on around 85% of normal monthly survey replies, rose to 50.0, from 49.4 in July . Divergent trends remained apparent at the sector level. On the one hand , service providers indicated a further rise in activity. Although moderate , the rate of growth was the sharpest in five months. In contrast , manufacturers continued to signal falling output, with the rate of contraction only ... (full story)