(BRUSSELS) - Services activity in the 15 countries sharing the euro contracted in September although not by as much as first estimated, according to a survey on Friday.

The eurozone service sector activity index, compiled by data and research group Markit, dipped to 48.4 points in September from 48.5 points in August, beating a first estimate of 48.2 points.

Even though the final result was slightly better than expected, it failed to dispel concerns of a sharp slowdown.

"The marginal upward revision to the eurozone service sector business activity index does not dilute the fact that this is a very weak report that shows activity contracting," said economist Howard Archer at consultants Global Insight.

"The sector is being hit hard by the heightened financial market turmoil, muted consumer spending, softer growth in key export markets, elevated costs and a strong euro," he added.

Separately, Markit said its eurozone's purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 46.9 points in September from 48.2 in August, falling more than a first estimate of 47.0 points.

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