Investing.com - French private sector activity slowed in March, according to survey data released on Thursday.
The preliminary reading of the Markit services purchasing managers’ index came in at 56.8 this month from 57.4 in February.
Economists had forecast a reading of 57.0.
The manufacturing PMI fell to 53.6, compared to expectations for 55.6 and from 55.9 a month earlier.
The composite output index, which measures the combined output of both the manufacturing and service sectors fell to 56.2 from 57.3, against expectations for 57.0.
A reading above 50.0 on the index indicates industry expansion, below indicates contraction.