Business activity in the euro zone industry contracted again in July. Research firm Markit reported this on the basis of a definitive figure.

The purchasing managers’ index for the euro area industry fell to 46.5 against 47.6 in June. With a provisional estimate, a level of 46.4 was reported for the gauge, which indicates a level above 50 indicates growth and below that contraction.

Markit stated that the index for industry in France was 49.7 and that for Germany was 43.2. The indicators for Italy and Spain were 48.5 and 48.2.

The index for British industry was 48 for July. With this, British industry is showing a decline in activity for three consecutive months.