That's according to the S markets final December Purchasing Managers Index, a closely watched gauge headline composite figure did rise to 49.1, but that was well below an initial reading of 49.8 and anything less than 50 indicates contraction.

這是根據S市場12月採購經理人指數終值，這個密切關注的儀表頭條綜合數據確實上升到49.1，但這遠低於49.8的初值，任何低於50的數據都表示收縮。

In European powerhouse Germany, services declined for a third month, while Italy performed far worse than predicted.

在歐洲強國德國，服務業連續第三個月下滑，而意大利的表現則遠遜於預期。

One plus waas France, though, with business activity there almost returning to growth.

不過，法國也有一個好處，那裡的商業活動幾乎恢復了增長。

With infection rates soaring across Europe and countries imposing fresh lockdowns, the services sector faces another hard time in the near future.

隨著歐洲各地感染率的飆升和各國實施新的封鎖，服務業在不久的將來將面臨另一個困難時期。

Economists are optimistic about the coming year, however.

不過，經濟學家們對來年持樂觀態度。

The future output index rose to 64.5 from 60.4, its highest reading since April 2018.

未來產出指數從60.4升至64.5，為2018年4月以來最高讀數。