S&P Global Market Intelligence chief economist Joe Hayes said French manufacturing has failed to build genuine growth momentum. October demand deteriorated sharply, lowering the chance of a near‑term recovery, and survey business confidence fell to a 12‑month low. Ongoing supply‑chain disruptions and elevated energy prices have pushed up cost pressures, limiting firms' ability to restore competitiveness via lower prices. Employment, purchasing activity and inventories all declined, indicating fi

S&P Global Market Intelligence chief economist Joe Hayes said French manufacturing has failed to build genuine growth momentum. October demand deteriorated sharply, lowering the chance of a near‑term recovery, and survey business confidence fell to a 12‑month low. Ongoing supply‑chain disruptions and elevated energy prices have pushed up cost pressures, limiting firms' ability to restore competitiveness via lower prices. Employment, purchasing activity and inventories all declined, indicating firms are implementing cost cuts amid the ongoing global energy crisis and related geopolitical headwinds.