France’s private sector economy broadly stagnated during the closing month of 2025. This followed on from November’s marginal expansion – the first since August 2024 – and marked a sustained period of relief after a 14-month spell of uninterrupted contraction. Manufacturing production came close to stabilising after November’s sharp and accelerated decline, while service sector business activity rose fractionally. As for employment, the latest HCOB ‘flash’ survey data signalled a renewed pick up in private payroll numbers, reversing November’s reduction. There was, however, a slight deterioration in business ... (full story)