Business activity in the eurozone has expanded in October at the fastest pace so far this year.<br /><br /> Germany was again the star. <br /><br /> According to the latest surveys of companies conducted by IHS Markit, the region’s largest economy recovered from weakness in the summer as both manufacturing and services picked up. <br /><br /> France’s overall private sector activity also expanded but at a slower pace, with the service sector weaker than expected.<br /><br /> IHS Markit’s eurozone flash composite Purchasing Managers’ Index, seen as a good overall indicator of economic growth, jumped to 53.7 from September’s 52.6. It was far above the 50 point mark which indicates growth in activity.<br /><br /> The surveys also found companies have been raising prices at the sharpest rate in more than five years.<br /><br /> The upturn in both business activity and prices is welcome news for policymakers at the European Central Bank, who are running out of ways to stimulate the bloc’s economy.<br /><br /> #Eurozone economy showed renewed signs of life at the start of Q4. #PMI at 10-month high of 53.7 (52.6 in Sep) https://t.co/DhbHtrPVlk pic.twitter.com/I21pZeII8d— Markit Economics (@MarkitEconomics) October 24, 2016<br /><br /> Output growth in #Germany rebounds as service providers pull out of their recent funk. #PMI at 55.1 (52.8 in Sep) https://t.co/ltLxVuaUTV pic.twitter.com/YaZz0L5×8N— Markit Economics (@MarkitEconomics) October 24, 2016<br /><br /> #France #PMI: Stronger manufacturing growth fails to offset slower services expansion. PMI at 52.2 (52.7 in Sep) https://t.co/171J3MQS7Y— Markit Economics (@MarkitEconomics) October 24, 2016<br />
