S&P GLOBAL MARKET INTELLIGENCE's survey showed France manufacturing PMI fell to
50.6 in September from 51.1 in August, marking a second month of expansion but
slower growth as new orders declined for a fifth consecutive month. Factory
output rose, yet headline consumer prices unexpectedly accelerated to 3.4% this
week, keeping inflationary pressure elevated amid energy-market stress and
tighter financial conditions. Joe Hayes, S&P GLOBAL MARKET INTELLIGENCE senior
chief economist, said the September expansion shows resilience but declining new
orders, inventory drawdowns and weak expectations cast doubt on its
sustainability.
