A further solid rise in business activity in June rounded off the strongest quarter of economic expansion for over six years, according to flash PMI survey data. Although the rate of growth waned to a five-month low, high order book inflows and elevated levels of business confidence meant job creation remained one of the strongest recorded over the past decade as firms continued to expand capacity to meet rising demand. Price pressures eased, however, largely reflecting lower global commodity prices.

The headline IHS Markit Eurozone PMI fell from a joint six-year high of 56.8 in May to a five-month low of 55.7 in June, according to the preliminary 'flash' estimate (based on approximately 85% of final replies)