Italy’s service sector expanded for the ninth consecutive month in November at a solid pace, survey figures from Markit Economics showed Thursday.

The headline Markit/ADACI Business Activity Index came in at 53.4 in November, the same reading as in October. Any score above 50 indicates expansion in the sector.

Growth in new orders accelerated for the second straight month in November, reaching the fastest since April. This was boosted by stronger demand and greater marketing activity.

Service providers raised their payroll numbers further in November. Moreover, the latest rate of job creation was the strongest since April.

On the price front, input prices rose at a moderate pace in November, with the rate of inflation having eased from the previous month. At the same time, selling prices dropped during the month, as firms offering discounts to boost client interest.

Survey also revealed that businesses retained a highly positive outlook towards growth prospects in the year ahead, linked to hopes of a sustained market recovery.

The material has been provided by InstaForex Company – www.instaforex.com