Following a loss of momentum midway through the third quarter, activity growth in the French service sector quickened in September. Renewed impetus was underpinned by a marked increase in new orders, which contributed to a sharper rise in employment. Capacity pressures persisted, however, amid a further notable accumulation of unfinished work. As a result, expectations for growth remained high.

The final seasonally adjusted IHS Markit France Composite Output Index - which covers the combined manufacturing and service sectors - posted 57.1 in September, up markedly from 55.2 in August and a 76-month high.