French Q4 Growth Estimated at 0.5%

The French economy will grow 0.5% on quarter in the final quarter of the year, sustaining the firm pace recorded throughout 2017, a survey by the Bank of France showed Monday, Dow Jones reported. The Bank of France’s monthly survey is the latest indicator of a broad economic rebound in France and rising optimism among the country’s business leaders. The central bank’s November survey of business activity showed industrial production continued to rise and should “expand at a sustained pace in December.” The services sector accelerated and activity in construction rose sharply in November, although both sectors are set to expand at a slower pace in December, the Bank of France said. The Bank of France’s sentiment indicators across all sectors were unchanged in November from October at levels above long-term averages. France’s INSEE statistics agency has projected growth of 1.8% for 2017, above the government’s 1.7% forecast. The sentiment indicator for the services industry was also steady at 102 in November, its highest level since June 2011.