14:37 - 23.10.2026

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October 23, Fineko/abc.az. Business activity across the Eurozone slowed more than anticipated in October, weighed down by political and fiscal instability in France, the bloc's second-largest economy.

The S&P Global Flash Eurozone Composite PMI fell to 51.9 from 53.1 in September, missing market expectations of 52.7, though remaining above the 50 mark that signals growth. While Germany showed resilience driven by its manufacturing sector, France experienced a sharp contraction in its services industry.

Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that sharply rising input costs and persistent inflation pressures strengthen speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) may pursue more aggressive monetary policy tightening.