Flash France Composite Output Index at 55.6 in August (unchanged from July). Flash France Services Activity Index falls to 55.5 in August (56.0 in July), 7-month low. Output Index rises to 56.2 (54.0 in July), 76-month high. Flash Manufacturing PMI(4) increases to 55.8 (54.9 in July) 76-month high.

A softer increase in service sector activity was recorded for the third successive month in August, although, the rate of growth remained marked and above the long-run series average. In contrast, the rate of expansion in manufacturing production was the sharpest in almost six-and-a-half years

Commenting on the Flash PMI data, Alex Gill, Economist at IHS Markit said: "The latest data paint another positive picture of the French private sector economy, with further strong expansions in both new business and output. The data are particularly promising for the manufacturing sector, with output and new order