France: Business Climate Improves in October.

France’s overall business climate rose to 97 in October 2026, above expectations and September’s 96, and moving closer to its long-term average of 100. The improvement was driven mainly by manufacturing, where the indicator climbed four points to 105, its highest level among the main sectors, supported by stronger global and foreign order books. The services climate also edged up to 99 from 98, moving closer to its long-term average. Meanwhile, retail trade deteriorated, with the indicator falling three points to 93, further below its long-term average, mainly due to a sharp decline in general business outlook. Construction weakened as well, with the indicator slipping one point to 95 as contractors’ views of past activity worsened despite improved expectations for future activity. The employment climate fell three points to 95.