The rate of economic expansion across the eurozone eased to a 20-month low in September. Growth slowed in Germany, Italy, Spain and Ireland to offset a mild acceleration in France.

The final Markit Eurozone PMI® Composite Output Index posted 52.6 in September, down from 52.9 in August and matching the earlier flash estimate. The average index reading during the third quarter as a whole (52.9) was the weakest since the final quarter of 2014.

By sector, output rose at manufacturers and service providers. The rate of expansion in manufacturing production ticked higher and remained above that for service sector business activity for the fourth straight month. Services output growth dipped to a 21-month low.