Bank of France Governor Emmanuel Moulin said the central bank is preparing to revise its 2026 growth forecast downward, speaking at the Gecos conference in Lyon on November 4. He described the bank's current full-year projection of 0.4 percent as somewhat optimistic, following an unexpected 0.1 percent contraction in GDP during the third quarter.
According to Moulin, the Bank of France's original growth estimate no longer looks realistic given the surprise third-quarter downturn. Revised forecasts are due to be published in December, following the European Central Bank's interest rate review meeting. France's economy will need a strong fourth quarter to come close to the stated annual target.
This account draws on reporting by BiggGo Finance.