FX.co ★ French Economy Shows Slight Improvement as HCOB Composite PMI Nudges Upward

France's economic health has shown a modest improvement as the HCOB France Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for July 2025 has ticked up to 49.6, a gentle rise from June's 49.2 figure. This update was made public on July 24, 2025, signifying a small yet notable gain in the country's economic performance.

The composite PMI, an essential indicator that melds both the manufacturing and services sectors, suggests that while France is still lingering below the 50.0 threshold, which separates growth from contraction, the nation is edging closer to stabilization. This uptick may reflect a gradual revival in business activities, despite ongoing underlying challenges.

The upward movement from June's 49.2 to the current 49.6 could serve as a cautiously optimistic sign for investors and policymakers alike. While the figures indicate ongoing contractions, the reduction in speed of decline points to potential impending stability in the upcoming months. This nuanced change has been closely monitored, given its implications for future strategic economic planning in France.