Spain’s service sector experienced an accelerated and strong rise in activity during October, according to the latest data from HCOB. Growth was underpinned by higher volumes of incoming new work, and firms were suitably encouraged to add to their staffing levels to the strongest degree since July. Confidence in the outlook also strengthened, reaching a seven-month high in October. On the price front, input price inflation remained elevated despite dropping to a three-month low amid reports of higher salary, fuel and energy related costs. Selling prices were raised at a stronger degree than in September. The HCOB ... (full story)