PARIS: The French economy is forecast to grow as previously projected in the third quarter, according to survey data from Bank of France. Gross domestic product is expected to climb 0.5 percent again in the third quarter, in line with the third estimate, released on September 11. The manufacturing sentiment index held steady at 104 in September. The score was forecast to rise to 105.
According to business leaders, industrial production grew moderately in September. They expect production to accelerate in October. In line with its trend since the start of the year, service sector activity logged robust growth in September. Service sector activity is forecast to continue to strengthen in October. The services confidence index also remained stable in September, at 100. Business leaders said construction activity firmed in September and it is expected to increase again in October. The construction sentiment index came in at 104 versus 103 in August.