French private sector growth rises to 6-yr high

France's private sector growth accelerated in May to its fastest level in six years, a key survey showed Monday.

Services were the main driver behind the expansion, according to the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) compiled by Markit, a financial services firm.

The PMI rose to 56.9 points in May, its highest level since May 2011, from 56.6 points in April, Markit said in a statement.

Any reading above the boom-bust 50 points line indicates the economy is expanding while a reading below suggests it contracting.

The sub-index for the services sector alone rose to 57.2 points above 56.7 in April, Markit said.