This was signalled by the final IHS Markit Eurozone PMI Composite Output Index matching July's reading of 55.7, down only marginally from the flash estimate of 55.8.

On current trend, output growth so far in the third quarter is slightly below its second quarter high, but remains among the best seen over the past seven years. August saw a strong expansion of manufacturing production, with the pace of increase regaining most of the momentum ceded in July. Service sector activity growth eased to a sevenmonth low, but remained above its long-term trend.