French business sentiment improved to 96 in February from 95 in January, survey data from the Bank of France showed Friday. The reading came in line with economists’ expectations.
In February, industrial activity improved somewhat and deliveries showed signs of renewed growth in most sectors. However, production capacities remained only moderately solicited, it said.
Although order books are still considered insufficient, new orders edged up their volumes. At the same time, inventories of final goods remained close to targeted levels. Business managers’ forecasts are predicting a stable level of activity in March.
According to the monthly index of business activity, the economy is expected to increase by 0.1 percent in the first quarter of 2013, unchanged from the previous estimate.
by RTT Staff Writer
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