Eurozone Business Growth Hits 16-Month High Amid Diverging Economic Performance
The eurozone's business activity expanded for the ninth consecutive month, with the HCOB Flash Composite PMI rising to 51.2 in September, slightly above expectations. Germany led the charge, reaching a 16-month peak of 52.4, while France's PMI dropped to 48.4, marking its thirteenth month of contraction.
Commerzbank's Ralph Solveen noted the uptick was driven solely by Germany, as other nations showed no signs of improvement. ING's Bert Colijn highlighted France's struggles, with political uncertainty weighing on both manufacturing and services sectors.