French output slows in April as economy nears stagnation

Growth in business activity in France's private sector slowed in April amid signs that the eurozone's second-biggest economy was on the verge of stalling, a key survey showed Thursday. The Purchasing Managers Output Index by London-based Markit Economics dropped to 50.2 points in April from 51.5 points the month before. Service sector growth almost stagnated and factory output moved further into decline alongside an increased loss of export orders and sluggish domestic demand, Markit s