Thursday 24 September 2026 · Edition of the day

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The Skeptic's Daily

The day's biggest stories, taken apart. For each one: what is actually established, what is only asserted, the questions worth asking — and a plausibility score for the central claim, given everything currently known.

Stories
1
Average plausibility
82%
How to read the score
It rates how well the core claim is evidenced — not how important the story is, nor whether it is good or bad news.
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01BusinessEurope

Euro zone business activity grows at its fastest pace in three years

A flash survey showed unexpected September growth, driven by a rebound in German services.

S&P Global's flash composite PMI showed euro zone activity expanding at its fastest rate in more than three years in September, defying forecasts of a slowdown. Germany's composite index rose to 53.8 from 51.8. Firms reported rising input costs and the fastest hiring in over three years.

What holds up

  • ✓The figures were published by S&P Global on 23 September.
  • ✓German manufacturing eased slightly while services expanded.

What doesn't yet

  • ?Whether this is a durable recovery or a temporary rebound is interpretation.
  • ?How far rising energy costs will offset gains is a forecast.

Ask before you share

  • →Is the rebound broad-based or concentrated in a few economies?
  • →How much reflects real demand versus pricing effects?
  • →Will the European Central Bank change course?

Sources & original reporting

  1. [1]Reuters · Published 23 Sept 2026 · reuters.com