PARIS (Reuters) -French economic activity contracted in September at the sharpest rate since April, as both manufacturing and services sectors in the euro zone’s second-largest economy experienced declines, S&P Global reported on Tuesday.

The HCOB Flash France Composite PMI Output Index fell to 48.4 in September from 49.8 in August, marking a five-month low. A reading below 50 indicates a contraction in activity.

The manufacturing sector was particularly hard-hit, with its headline PMI dropping to 48.1 from 50.4 in August, its lowest level in three months. The manufacturing output index also plunged to 45.9 from 49.8, reaching a seven-month low. Meanwhile, the services PMI slipped to 48.9 from 49.8, a two-month low.

The downturn was driven by subdued customer demand, with total new orde

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