<span>STORY: Business activity in the euro zone expanded at its fastest pace in two-and-a-half years in November.</span><span>That’s according to figures in the closely-watched Purchasing Managers’ Index – or PMI – released Wednesday (December 3). </span><span>This acceleration came as a robust service sector more than offset manufacturing weakness. </span><span>The region’s PMI rose from 52.5 to 52.8 – marking an increase for the sixth consecutive month. </span><span>Any number over 50 indicates rising activity. </span><span>The services PMI hiked to 53.6, reaching its highest level since May 2023.</span><span>Most countries surveyed recorded expansions – including France, where private business activity expanded for the first time in 15 months. </span><span>But manufacturing showed signs of struggling.</span><span>Factory production growth slowed to a nine-month low and new orders declined marginally.</span><span>Employment across the euro zone continued to rise in November, though the pace of job creation slowed to only a fractional rate. </span><span>The services sector held its hiring drive, while manufacturing firms reduced staff at the sharpest rate since April.</span><span>One analyst said the results will support the European Central Bank’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged in an upcoming meeting. </span>
