Investing.com - French private sector activity slowed but remained solid in February, according to survey data released on Wednesday.
The preliminary reading of the Markit services purchasing managers’ index came in at 57.9 this month from 59.2 in January.
Economists had forecast a reading of 59.1.
The manufacturing PMI dropped to 56.1, compared to expectations for 58.1 and from 58.4 a month earlier.
The composite output index, which measures the combined output of both the manufacturing and service sectors ticked down to 57.8 from 59.6, against expectations for 59.4.
A reading above 50.0 on the index indicates industry expansion, below indicates contraction.