French manufacturing production edged closer to stabilisation midway through the third quarter, with the latest HCOB PMI® survey signalling growth in certain sub-sectors such as consumer and intermediate goods. There was a marked easing in the demand downturn, in part due to a shallower fall in new export orders, while firms were less aggressive with purchasing cutbacks. On a positive note, the rate of job creation accelerated to a 39-month high and there was a slight pick-up in business confidence. That said, expectations were subdued by historical standards. The seasonally adjusted HCOB France Manufacturing ... (full story)