At 52.7 in August, the IHS Markit Flash France Composite Output Index rose from 51.9 in July, signalling an acceleration in private sector output growth. The solid rise was primarily supported by service providers, who registered a fifth successive monthly increase in business activity. Moreover, the pace of expansion quickened to the fastest since November 2018. However, goods producers also registered a rise in output in the middle of the third quarter. A marginal increase represented a recovery after a slight decline during July. In line with the trend for output, new orders placed with private sector firms ... (full story)