Economics
French Manufacturing Activity Unexpectedly Returns to Growth
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French manufacturing activity unexpectedly resumed growth in March with the fastest expansion in almost three years, a sign that parts of the European economy are gaining momentum.
A factory index based on a survey of purchasing managers rose to 51.9 from 49.7 in February, the highest since June 2011, a report by Markit Economics Ltd. published today in London showed. Economists predicted an increase to 49.7, according to the median of 18 forecasts in a Bloomberg News survey. A gauge of services climbed to 51.4 in March from 47.2.