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Italian service sector loses growth momentum, despite stronger new business inflows
Although the Italian service sector maintained its growth path in August, business activity rose at a modest rate and one that was subdued by historical standards. The slowdown came despite a stronger influx of new business. The softer growth trend prompted firms to raise their headcounts to the least marked degree in four months. Prices data showed that companies across the sector continued to face substantial cost pressures. Nonetheless, firms sought to drive new sales, as the pace of charge inflation moderated. Although positive, business confidence, was among the weakest in over four-and-a-half years, with ... (full story)