PARIS (MNI) – The following is the text of the overview of the
Bank of France’s October monthly business survey:
The business sentiment indicator in industry* stood at 103 in
October, after 102 in September.
The business sentiment indicator in services* stood at 96 in
October, as in September.
According to the monthly index of business activity (MIBA), GDP is
expected to increase by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2010 (first
estimate).
* Calculations are based on survey data smoothed over three months
SUMMARY
In October, industrial activity picked up slightly; all sectors
improved, with the exception of other industrial products, which
remained flat.
Capacity utilisation was almost unchanged on the previous month,
and is still below its long-term average.
The level of order books was in line with expectations; the flow of
new orders continued to strengthen at a pace similar to that seen in
previous months.
Final goods inventories declined slightly, but remained close to
their normal level.
Forecasts point to an improvement in output growth in coming
months.
Activity in the services sector picked up a little, thanks to
growth in temporary work.
Prices remained stable. Staff levels continued to firm.
The outlook for activity indicates ongoing growth in the short
term.
–Paris newsroom +331 42 71 55 40, e-mail paris@marketnews.com
[TOPICS: M$F$$$,M$X$$$,M$$EC$,MT$$$$]