The French economy expanded unexpectedly in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter, data from the statistical office Insee showed Wednesday.
The gross domestic product rose 0.2 percent quarter-on-quarter in the fourth quarter against economists' expectation for a 0.2 percent decline. This followed a 0.3 percent growth in the third quarter.
Over the year, GDP increased 1.7 percent after 1.4 percent growth in 2010.
Investment growth accelerated to 0.9 percent from 0.2 percent. Households' consumption expenditure slightly decelerated by the end of the year with a growth of 0.2 percent following 0.3 percent in the third quarter.
Overall, total domestic demand, excluding inventory changes, drove GDP on for 0.3 percentage point of growth after 0.2 percentage point in the previous three-month period.
Exports grew 1.2 percent quarter-on-quarter, while imports dropped 1.2 percent. Hence, foreign trade balance contributed 0.7 percentage point to GDP growth.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.