France: Business confidence edges up in November
In November, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies’ (INSEE) business-climate indicator for the manufacturing sector ticked up to 105 points from 104 points a month earlier. As a result, the indicator remained above the 100-point long-run average—INSEE’s benchmark measure which distinguishes improvement of the business environment.
November’s print reflected firms’ improved views of past output, as well as stronger expectations for firm-level output over the coming months. On the other hand, firms’ views on export orders slipped as international business faltered.