Eurozone Growth Slows, France Falls into Contraction

Euro zone private-sector growth slowed to a four-month low in October, with the composite PMI falling to 51.9 but remaining in expansion territory. Higher energy, fuel and transport costs—linked in part to the Middle East conflict—accelerated input-price pressures, while firms’ selling-price increases eased, squeezing margins. Demand and business confidence weakened, hiring nearly stalled, and manufacturing costs rose sharply. France slipped back into contraction amid political and financial turmoil, while Germany continued to grow at a slower pace, underscoring uneven conditions across the bloc. The data point to a less favorable growth outlook alongside persistent inflation pressures.