2018.09.2503:42:00UTC+00France Manufacturing Sentiment Weakens In September

French manufacturing sentiment deteriorated in September, survey results from the statistical office Insee showed Tuesday.

The manufacturing sentiment index fell to 107 in September from 110 in August. This was the lowest score since March 2017 and well below forecast of 109.

The balance of industrialists' opinion on their personal production expectations dropped again. The corresponding index declined sharply to 9 from 20.

Manufacturers were slightly less optimistic about the general production prospects for the sector. The index dropped to 9 from 11 a month ago.

Similarly, the index of past activity decreased to 15 from 18 in the previous month. At the same time, the order book balance remained negative in August, at -5 compared to -4 a month ago.

As regards employment, the balances of opinion on past and expected workforce size were stable or virtually stable.

The business climate index, which covers the main sectors, rose slightly to 106 in September from 105 in August.