April's flash France PMI data pointed to a tenth consecutive month of private sector growth in France. The Markit Flash France Composite Output Index, based on around 85% of normal monthly survey replies, registered 57.4, compared to March's reading of 56.8.

The latest figure was indicative of the sharpest rate of growth in almost six years. In the service sector, activity increased for the tenth time in as many months. Moreover, the rate of expansion accelerated to a 71-month high and was sharp overall. Manufacturing output also continued to rise markedly, and at the fastest pace in six years.