18.12.202508:13:28UTC+00France Business Climate Nears Two-Year High

In December 2025, France's business climate indicator advanced to 99, up from 98 in November, marking the highest point since February 2024, though it still falls short of the long-term average of 100. This uptick is largely attributed to significant recoveries in retail trade and motor vehicle repair sectors, where the index surged to 104 (from 97 in November), bolstered by more robust ordering intentions. The manufacturing sector also saw an increase, reaching 102 (from 98), surpassing its long-term average due to improved past production and stronger order books, particularly in the domain of other transport equipment. Additionally, confidence in building construction improved slightly to 96 (from 95), although it remains below average. Meanwhile, the services index stayed steady at 98, with growth predominantly observed in corporate services. Conversely, the employment climate experienced a slight decline, moving down to 95 from 96, indicative of weaker projections for future workforce size within the services sector.