German Private-Sector Growth Slows as Industry Suffers Setback

German private-sector activity expanded at a slower pace in November, highlighting the challenge for the government as it tries to return Europe’s biggest economy to growth.

S&P Global’s Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index dropped to 52.1 in November from 53.9 — staying above the 50 threshold separating expansion from contraction, data Friday showed. Analysts had expected a smaller dip, to 53.5.