The Spanish service sector recorded a strong end to the second quarter of the year as growth of activity accelerated to a 22-month high on the back of a substantial rise in new orders. Rising workloads led companies to take on extra staff in increasing numbers. A positive economic environment was key to the latest improvements, with panellists generally expecting this to continue in coming months.

The headline seasonally adjusted Business Activity Index rose to 58.3 in June from 57.3 in May. The reading signalled a substantial monthly rise in activity, and one that was the fastest since August 2015. Anecdotal evidence suggested that client demand had improved in line with strengthening economic conditions.