Euro zone growth slows to 4-month low amid rising costs and French turmoil, PMI shows

LONDON, Oct 23 (Reuters) Growth across the euro zone s private sector slowed to its weakest pace in four months in October, driven by an energy-driven rise in costs and a renewed contraction in France amid political and financial pressures, a survey showed. The S P Global Flash ​Eurozone Composite PMI Output Index fell to 51.9 in October from September s 53.1, its lowest ‌reading since June and lower than all forecasts in a Reuters poll which had predicted a modest dip to 52.7. A PMI reading above 50.0 indicates growth. Key to the broader slowdown is the further escalation of inflationary pressures seen during the month, said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S P Global Market Intelligence. Input costs are rising sharply again, the rate of increase surging in ‌manufacturing ​on the back of higher energy prices, causing firms to push ⁠selling prices higher in order to ⁠protect margins. Input costs accelerated for the second consecutive month linked to higher energy, fu