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French private sector activity weakens slightly in May
After returning to growth at the start of the second quarter for the first time in almost a year, private sector business activity across France saw a fresh contraction in May. The decline was marginal overall, however, and considerably weaker than those seen on average between June 2023 and March this year. Positively, new orders expanded for the first time in just over a year amid stronger demand for French services. A continued decrease in exports suggested improving sales conditions were driven principally by the domestic market. Employment also rose for a fourth successive month. As for prices, the rate of input ... (full story)