France’s business climate index edged down -0.1 pts to 95.8 in August 2025, remaining below its long-term average (100) for the 14th straight month, as weakness in retail and services offset gains in construction.

• Retail trade climate fell sharply by -6.1 pts to 92.4, driven by weaker ordering intentions and a more negative outlook for business conditions.

• Services slipped -1.3 pts to 95.0, with sentiment on personal business outlook worsening further below the long-run average.

• Manufacturing edged up 0.3 pts to 96.4, with most indicators steady apart from lower assessments of finished-goods inventories.

• Building construction rose 2.1 pts to 97.9, supported by improved expectations for future activity, higher capacity utilization, and less negative order book views.

• The employment climate declined -1.1 pts to 94.8, reflecting reduced workforce size in services (ex-temp work), and remains below its long-term average.