The activity in German industry is also going down sharply this month, after the already sharp decline a month earlier. The British market researcher Markit reported this on the basis of a provisional figure. The situation in France was improved.
The purchasing managers’ index for German industry went to a level of 41.9 in October, compared to a level of 41.7 a month earlier. A level above 50 indicates growth, below which shrinkage. Experts took into account a score of 42.
The growth of the German services sector was slightly less strong at 51.2 than the 52 which was taken into account more. The composite index in Germany was 48.6. That was less than the 48.8 forecast.
The activity in the French industry increased further. The index was 50.5 from 50.1 a month earlier. Connoisseurs counted on a score of 50.2. The French service sector reached 52.9 from 51.1 in September. The composite French purchasing managers index recorded a score of 52.6.