London — Eurozone private businesses ended the third quarter growing much more strongly than predicted, bolstered by manufacturers, according to a survey, which showed the momentum should carry on into October. That energy, alongside rising inflationary pressures, is likely to increase expectations the European Central Bank (ECB) will announce plans next month to reduce its monthly spending on quantitative easing. IHS Markit’s eurozone flash composite purchasing managers index (PMI) for September, seen as a good guide to economic growth, bounced to 56.7 from August’s 55.7, comfortably above the 50 level that separates growth from contraction. September’s reading was above all forecasts in a Reuters poll, which had predicted a dip to 55.5. The euro gained 0.4% to $1.1989, on track to end the week higher. Earlier PMIs from Germany and France showed activity in the bloc’s two biggest economies also exceeded the top end of expectations in Reuters polls. "The eurozone PMI suggests that t...
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