French Manufacturing Activity Growth Trails Estimate

(RTTNews) - France's manufacturing sector activity expanded less than initially estimated in December, final data from Markit showed Monday.

The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.4 in December from 50.6 in November. It was the highest reading since March 2014 but below the flash score of 51.6.

Production at French manufacturers increased for the fourth month and new orders rose for the third successive month. Employment grew in the final month of 2015, ending a 20-month period of contraction.

Input prices in the French manufacturing sector fell for a fourth consecutive month and prices charged for finished goods decreased in December.