Eurozone service sector activity rose to a three-month high in August, led by strong growth in Germany and France, new survey data showed on Friday.
Markit Economics said the services purchasing managers' index rose to a seasonally adjusted 55.9 from 55.8 in July, and also higher than the preliminary reading of 55.6.
A reading above 50 indicates expansion while one below suggests contraction. Economists had forecast the preliminary score to be confirmed.
New work received by eurozone service providers rose solidly in August, at a rate that was the fastest in four months. Stronger activity translated to higher employment in the service sector, with the rate of job creation quickening to the fastest since April 2008.
Service sector growth continued to be driven by the big two of Germany and France, while Italy and the Republic of Ireland also contributed. Services activity fell slightly in Spain.
Meanwhile, the composite PMI, which is a weighted average of the manufacturing and services PMIs, came in at 56.2 in August, down from 56.7 in July, but up from the preliminary estimate of 56.1.
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