Business activity in France's private sector continued to decline in June, according to S&P Global 'flash' PMI data, stretching the current downturn into its sixth month. There was some reprieve, however, as the rate of contraction slowed sharply from May, with softer declines in output recorded in both the manufacturing and service sectors. Some other relatively positive developments found in the June 'flash' figures also included a broad stabilisation of employment, the first improvement in business confidence since January and a softening of cost pressures. Output price inflation subsequently eased, with some ... (full story)