PARIS (MNI) – The following is the text of the overview of the
Bank of France’s August monthly business survey:
The business sentiment indicator in industry* stood at 101 in
August, as in July.
The business sentiment indicator in services* stood at 95 in
August, after 96 in July.
According to the monthly index of business activity (MIBA), GDP is
expected to increase by 0.3% in the third quarter of 2010 (second
estimate, unchanged).
* Calculations are based on survey data smoothed over three
months.
SUMMARY:
In August, industrial activity remained stable overall in
comparison with the previous month. The decline in the automotive sector
was offset by growth in other sectors.
The capacity utilisation rate dipped. Order books picked up
slightly.
Inventories of final goods are consistent with targeted levels.
Forecasts nonetheless point to a rebound in production in the
months ahead.
Activity in the services sector remained unchanged following
several months of growth in spite of the rise observed in the
Information systems services.
Prices decreased slightly. Staff levels continued to rise, at the
same pace as in July.
The outlook for activity indicates a slight increase in the short
term.
–Paris newsroom +331 42 71 55 40, e-mail paris@marketnews.com
[TOPICS: M$F$$$,M$X$$$,M$$EC$,MT$$$$]
