(Bloomberg) -- France's economy showed signs of gaining steam as a gauge of private-sector activity rose to a four-month high in August.
IHS Markit's composite index of manufacturing and services climbed to 55.1 from 54.4. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had predicted a reading of 54.6. Manufacturers reported greater domestic demand and a return to growth of export orders, though they still remain below the historical average, the report said.
France is benefiting from solid economic expansion in the euro zone after years of European Central Bank stimulus, and a trade dispute with the U.S. that could have led to higher tariffs seems to have subsided for now.
The ECB will publish new economic projections for the currency bloc on Sept. 13 after officials meet to set monetary policy.
Read more: How the world's purchasing managers see the future
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