Eurozone services PMI slips to 56.4 in September, lowest since April

ANKARA

The Eurozone services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) decreased to 56.4 in September, reaching its lowest level since April, a London-based global data company said on Tuesday.

The IHS Markit Eurozone PMI Services Business Activity Index was significantly down from 59.0 in August.

"Demand for euro area services increased for a fifth consecutive month in September, although the expansion was the weakest seen over this period," it said.

New business from abroad grew slightly in September, following relatively solid rises in the last three months, it added.

Firms continued to create jobs at a strong pace in September with the backing of work-in-hand, despite the pace slowing to a four-month low.

"Service providers remained strongly optimistic that activity levels would rise over the coming 12 months as global economies recover from the pandemic," IHS Markit said, adding it was however at a six-month low.

Meanwhile, the company announced that Germany's services PMI in September hit its lowest level since May, suggesting that rebound in services activity loses momentum.

German services PMI stood at 56.2 in September, down from 60.8 in August, according to IHS Markit.