Euro-Zone Private Sector Grows at Fastest Pace in 16 Months

The euro area’s private sector expanded at the quickest pace in 16 months as outperformance in German services compensated for a slump in France.

The Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index compiled by S&P Global rose to 51.2 in September from 51 in August, further above the 50 threshold separating growth from contraction. Analysts had predicted the reading would remain stable.