Germany's business downturn showed signs of easing as the Flash Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) climbed to 48.4 in October, up from 47.5 in the previous month. Although still below the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction, it surpassed the Bloomberg survey forecast of 47.6. The manufacturing PMI increased to 42.6 from September's 40.6, beating expectations of 40.8. Meanwhile, the services PMI rose to 51.4 from 50.6 in September, also exceeding the forecast of 50.6.