Latest data released by INSEE - 16 May 2019

  • Prior 8.8%
  • ILO mainland unemployment rate 8.4% vs 8.5% expected
  • Prior 8.5%
  • Mainland unemployment change ('000s) -19k
  • Prior -90k; revised to -100k

The highlight of the report is that the headline unemployment rate eases to its lowest level in a decade and that reaffirms further labour market tightness in the euro area. However, once again, this hasn't really translated into strong wage/inflationary pressures overall but at least labour market conditions are still holding up well.