Czech Oct PMI extends dip, points to weaker growth

PRAGUE, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Czech manufacturing activity slowed the pace of its expansion in October, a survey showed on Wednesday, pointing to weakening growth in the EU member's manufacturing economy at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by NTC Research from a survey of over 300 firms and sponsored by ABN Amro, fell to a 9-month low of 54.6 from 55.4 in September, extending its dip into a second consecutive month.

The manufacturing industry accounts for more than one-third of national economic activity and a weakening of its expansion could hamper growth in the Czech economy after annual growth peaked at 7.1 percent in the first quarter.

((FOR A BREAKDOWN OF THE SURVEY, CLICK ON [ID:nPRA001001]))

((Reporting by Marek Petrus; Editing by Alan Crosby; Reuters Messaging: rm://marek.petrus.reuters.com@reuters.net; e-mail: prague.newsroom@reuters.com or marek.petrus@reuters.com; Tel: +420 224 190 477))

Keywords: ECONOMY CZECH PMI