French business feels pinch from Paris attacks - survey

Paris - French private-sector business growth slowed in November, according to a survey published on Monday, with some business leaders blaming the Paris attacks.

Financial services company Markit said its latest data "indicated an easing of private sector output growth during November", when its Flash France Composite Output Index slipped to 51.3, a three-month low, from 52.6 in October.

An index level over 50 means that business is still expanding.

"French private sector output growth weakened slightly in November, with the Paris attacks reported to have hit activity among some service providers," Markit senior economist Jack Kennedy said in a statement.

"The longer-term economic impact following the attacks remains uncertain," Markit said, but French gross domestic product is still on course for "another modest expansion" in the fourth quarter after growing 0.3% in the previous three months.

The Islamic State jihadist group has claimed responsibility for the gun and suicide attacks that left a trail of destruction at a sold-out concert hall, at restaurants and bars, and outside France's national stadium.

A total of 129 people were killed and 352 wounded, of whom 99 were said to be in critical condition. The toll does not include the attackers.