France’s Construction Activity Remains in the Contraction Zone After Increase in Sept.

Source: IHS Markit

France’s Construction PMI rose to 48.9 in September, remaining in the contraction zone for the fourth straight month despite an uptick from 44.9 in August. CAC 40 is down -2.22%, EURUSD is down -0.47%.

• The fall in construction activity reflected material shortages, which led to an increase in lead times amid weak new demand.
• Input costs rose at one of the quickest paces in the survey history, despite being the slowest in five months.
• Construction firms reported improved optimism, with the hiring the quickest in almost two years.