Euro zone manufacturing predicted to fall in July

The euro zone manufacturing sector purchasing managers' index fell to a seasonally adjusted 50.8 in August from 51.6 in July, according to market sources.

Economists polled had been forecasting a consensus level of 51.2.

A reading above 50 indicates the manufacturing sector is generally expanding; a reading below 50 suggests it is generally contracting.

The index is based on a questionnaire sent to purchasing executives in over 1,500 companies.

PA