PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Confidence among French businesses weakened for a sixth consecutive month in December, to reach the lowest level in 21 months, survey data from the statistical office Insee showed Friday.
The business sentiment index for the manufacturing industry declined to 94 in December, the lowest since March 2010, from an upwardly revised 96 a month ago.
The reading was, however, above economists' expectations of 93, but below its long-term average.
The personal production expectations index improved to -2 from -5 in the preceding month. The statistical office said that the index, despite the increase, remained unfavorable.
The general production expectations declined to -37 in December from -35 in November. The indicator for demand and total order levels fell to -26 from -17.
Separately, Insee reported that the business climate index for the building industry remained steady at 99. The turning-point indicator pointed to an unfavorable climate.
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