France's EU harmonized consumer prices increased faster than economists expected in March, data released by statistical office Insee showed Thursday.
The harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP) increased 2.6 percent on an annual basis in March, markedly faster than the 2.3 percent growth economists forecast. In February, the HICP rose 2.5 percent year-on-year.
Month-on-month, the HICP advanced 0.9 percent during the month, while economists were looking for a 0.7 percent sequential gain. In February, the monthly growth in HICP was 0.5 percent.
At the same time, the consumer price inflation remained unchanged at 2.3 percent in March, while economists expected inflation to ease to 2.1 percent.
Compared to the previous month, consumer prices moved up 0.8 percent in January, following February's 0.4 percent increase. Economists expected prices to rise 0.6 percent month-on-month.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Economic News
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
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.