Eurozone Business Activity Slows in October as Flash Composite PMI Drops to 51.9

Eurozone private sector growth slowed unexpectedly in October 2026, with the flash composite PMI sliding to a four-month low of 51.9 against expectations of 52.7 and down from September's 53.1. The deceleration was widespread, driven by a renewed contraction in France. Services PMI fell to 51.7 compared to forecasts of 52.5, while manufacturing PMI dropped to 52.4 against 52.7 projected. Although Germany's manufacturing PMI beat estimates at 54.2, its services index dropped to 51.7. Despite weakening growth, manufacturing input costs surged at their fastest pace since May.