French growth stalls as business sentiment falters

In August, France’s business climate index remained stuck at 96 for the third consecutive month. While stable, it continues to hover below its long-term average, a sign that the economy is holding its breath rather than gaining momentum.

Beneath the surface, sectoral divergences are sharpening in France. Retail sentiment plunged by seven points in just one month, dragged down by deteriorating expectations and weak order intentions. In contrast, construction is showing signs of life, with entrepreneurs more upbeat about future activity. Industry remains cautious, with sentiment unchanged, while services are slipping slightly. Taken together, these indicators suggest a relatively flat growth profile for the third quarter of 2025.

Underlying weaknesses

On paper, France’s GDP performance in the first half of this year looks decent given global headwinds, coming in at +0.1% in the first quarter and +0.3% in the second – better than expected. But the headline rate masks a more fragile reality: growth has leaned heavily on inventory accumulation. Stock contributions were striking, with +0.7ppt in the first quarter and +0.5ppt in the second. Strip those out, and the economy would have been contracting.

Private consumption is retreating, investment is soft, and net exports are a drag. The engine is fundamentally stalled, and there’s little to suggest a restart is imminent.

Labour market conditions are also deteriorating. Net job losses have mounted over recent quarters, and in August, the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) business survey showed further weakening in employment sentiment. Households remain anxious about unemployment, keeping the savings rate elevated. Investment remains subdued amid uncertainty and high long-term rates.

Fiscal policy is set to tighten, weighing on public spending. Political uncertainty around the budget vote could further erode confidence. Add to that persistent global trade disruptions and a stronger euro, and it’s hard to see exports stepping up as a growth driver anytime soon.

Outlook: Cautious and constrained

We continue to expect only modest growth for the French economy at +0.1% in the third quarter of 2025, +0.6% for the full year, and +0.8% in 2026. A cautious trajectory, mirroring an economy that is moving but without momentum.

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