The IHS Markit PMI data show a further sustained increase in activity in the French services sector in August, although the rate of expansion remains lower than at the start of the year. At the same time, growth in the volume of new business accelerated compared with July, resulting in the strongest build-up of work-in-progress since April, despite an intensification of hiring during the month. Lastly, the twelve-month business outlook is slipping back, with business confidence posting its lowest level since January 2017. More information here