Paris Olympics gives eurozone economic boost after rise in spending

Millions of tourists flocked to Paris for the two-and-a-half week sporting event. Photograph: David Goldman/AP

The Paris Olympics have provided a boost to the eurozone economy after a sharp rise in spending as athletes and spectators descended on the French capital for the summer sporting event.

Figures from a closely watched survey of businesses showed monthly French private sector output rose to its highest level in 17 months in August.