Business · Economy · 12 hrs ago
Eurozone private-sector growth slowed to a four-month low in October
Eurozone private-sector growth slowed in October, weighed down by France’s economic and political strains.
A closely watched business survey fell to 51.9 from 53.1 in September, its lowest reading in four months; readings above 50 indicate growth.
France’s business activity contracted, with services and manufacturing both slipping below the 50-point mark.
Germany’s activity also slowed, but continued to grow for a fourth month.
Higher energy, fuel and transport costs added to inflation, while rising interest rates were also weighing on demand.
These pressures matter because persistent inflation alongside slower growth could affect the European Central Bank’s rate decisions.
A Reuters survey cited in the reports expected the bank to hold its deposit rate at 2.50% the following week and raise it by 0.25 percentage points in December.
Eurozone private-sector growth slowed to its weakest pace in four months in October, according to an S&P Global survey.
The preliminary eurozone composite purchasing managers’ index fell to 51.9 from 53.1 in September, remaining above the 50 mark that signals growth.
Higher energy costs and renewed contraction in France weighed on activity.
France’s preliminary composite PMI dropped to 48.4, while Germany’s eased to 52.8 but remained in expansion.
- Who
- Private-sector businesses in the eurozone, surveyed by S&P Global.
- What
- Growth slowed to a four-month low, with the preliminary composite PMI at 51.9.
- When
- October 2026.
- Where
- The eurozone, with France a major source of weakness.
- Why
- Higher energy costs and renewed contraction in France weighed on activity; inflationary pressures also contributed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The eurozone composite PMI stood at 53.1.
The preliminary eurozone composite PMI fell to 51.9, its lowest level since June.
France’s preliminary composite PMI fell to 48.4, while Germany’s composite PMI eased to 52.8.
- Eurozone composite PMI
- 51.9 in October, down from 53.1 in September
- Four-month low
- Lowest eurozone composite PMI reading since June
- France composite PMI
- 48.4 in October, below the 50-point contraction threshold
- Germany composite PMI
- 52.8 in October, remaining above 50 for the fourth consecutive month
- Main pressures
- Higher energy costs and renewed contraction in France
4 sources
What people are saying
The rebound recorded in September was short-lived, amid the rapid tightening of financial conditions and increased political pressures during October.