Economic activity in the euro area improved

Economic activity in the euro area improved somewhat in August, as manufacturing performance decreased at a slightly slower pace, although concerns about global trade sentiment further worsened business sentiment among economic operators – according to a study released by the London-based IHS Markit market research company.

The Eurozone’s Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved from 53.4 points of July to 53.4 points in August according to preliminary data of the research institute.

Manufacturing PMI rose to 47.0 from the 46.5 points of July.

The composite PMI for services and manufacturing data improved to 51.8 points in August from the 51.5 points of July to a three-month low. (MTI)