France's private sector economy suffered a fresh setback at the end of the first quarter, with the latest 'flash' PMI data from S&P Global signalling the fastest fall in business activity since October last year. Survey respondents often cited weak demand conditions, reportedly a consequence of a myriad of factors including the war in the Middle East, heightened geopolitical uncertainty and domestic client hesitancy ahead of local elections. Another key finding from the latest 'flash' survey was on the price front, with input cost inflation accelerating sharply to its strongest since November 2023. Prices charged were ... (full story)