The contraction appears to be widespread as it has seen GermanyEurope’s largest economy, has been in deep decline as deflation returns to FranceEurope’s second-largest economy, after a boost from hosting the Olympic Games in August.
The S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 48.9 this month from 51.0 in August, below the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction for the first time since February.
A Reuters poll predicted a slight decline to 50.5 points.
Total demand fell at its fastest pace in eight months. The new orders index fell to 47.2 from 49.1.