The Bank of France on Friday said it estimates the economy to grow 0.2 percent in the third quarter, unchanged from the second quarter growth projection.

The survey data from the central bank today showed that business confidence among manufacturers weakened marginally in July. The corresponding index fell to 96 from 97 in June.

Industrial production grew slightly in July and business leaders expect production to be broadly stable next month.

Meanwhile, confidence among service providers remained unchanged in July. The index stood at 93.

In the services sector, activity picked up in July. According to business leaders, service sector activity will grow slightly in August.

Construction sector activity continued to contract reflecting the weakness in residential and non-residential buildings. The confidence index held steady at 92 in July. Construction sector activity is forecast to contract slightly in August.

RTTNews