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French manufacturing output nears stabilisation in March, but demand conditions remain challenging
Although the French manufacturing sector endured another month of contraction in March, the latest HCOB PMI® data provided some positive signals for the industry as production fell at the weakest pace since the downturn began nearly two years ago and business sentiment was optimistic. However, demand conditions remained challenging, with many companies offering discounts on their goods to stimulate sales. Factory employment also declined in March, while buying activity and inventories continued to shrink. The seasonally adjusted HCOB France Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ IndexTM (PMI®), compiled by S&P ... (full story)