France: Manufacturing in better shape - ING
|Julien Manceaux, senior economist at ING, points out that the Frence’s main manufacturing confidence indicator rebounded in February and even though the rebound was weaker than expected, but the indicator was nevertheless back above the 100.0 threshold, where it has been observed twice since November 2016.
Key Quotes
“In the coming months, we expect the index to stabilise above 100.0 - its long-term average which would be in line with a gradual industrial production recovery.”
“The January industrial production figures were already giving some positive signs for the first quarter, especially, as durable consumer goods production increased for two months in a row (+2.6% MoM in January), after months of a downward trend induced by the “yellow vest” protests and their impact on consumer confidence. Investment goods production also bounced in January (by 3.3% MoM) and was up by 3.5% on the year.”
“Therefore, the most recent figures indicate the French economy is slowly coming out of the soft patch it has been in since November.”
“In the coming months, we think the weak euro outlook for the first half of this year should continue to help the French industry. This should contribute to the rebound in GDP growth expected for 1Q19 at 1.5% QoQ (annualised).”
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