The French Flash Manufacturing PMI inched higher than expected in November, indicating the nation's manufacturing sector improved. The Markit Economics data showed the index rallied from 43.7 in October to 44.7 this month. Meanwhile, the purchasing managers' activity in the services sector increased to the highest level in three months of 46.1 in November, surging from last month's 44.6.
"Although the decline in business activity eased a touch in November, the overall picture remains weak, with new orders showing another sharp reduction. French GDP posted a surprising 0.2% gain in Q3, but growth looks unlikely to be sustained in Q4," senior economist at Markit Jack Kennedy said.