The private sector’s economy remained in the contraction area in October, as revealed today by the private sector activity indicator BLOM PMI which registered 48.8 points, however it improved over last month’s figure of 47.6 points, noting that the current rate of contraction is the lowest in four months. Lebanese companies participating in the monthly PMI survey reported slower demand as a result of the unstable security situation in north of Lebanon. That being said, the rate of deterioration in their output has rather eased since the last few months. On the supply side, employment at the Lebanese companies recorded another marginal rise and buying levels grew, in what looks like an anticipation of a pick-up in demand, according to Ms. Maya Mantach, Head of equities at Blominvest Bank. Output prices also remained subdued to stimulate sales and counter the growing competition.