French business activity declined faster than expected in October, a survey showed on Friday, as demand for goods and services in the euro zone's second-biggest economy weakened further amid a volatile political climate. The HCOB France flash purchasing managers index (PMI) for the country's dominant services sector, compiled by S&P Global, came in at 47.1 points in October. That figure represents a six-month low and the index has now stayed below the 50 points threshold separating growth from contraction for the 14th month running.