PARIS, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- France's central bank, Banque de France (BdF), on Tuesday forecast that the eurozone's second largest economy will grow by 0.2 percent in the last quarter of 2019, slower than in previous quarters.
The French economy, having grown by 0.3 percent in each of the past three quarters, would slow down in October-December period largely due to less industrial activity, particularly in automobile and construction, explained the BdF.
It is the first time the French central bank publishes a quarterly economic outlook, based on monthly surveys of entrepreneurs' opinion. Usually, the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), has the mission to collect, analyze and disseminate information on the French economy and society.
In October, INSEE projected a 0.3 percent growth for each quarter through to the end of the year, and 1.3 percent as an annual average in 2019.
Due to protectionist pressures and Brexit uncertainties, growth forecasts for most of France's economic partners are revised downwards. Analysts here believe the resilience demonstrated from the growth of French economy is mainly driven by domestic demand. Although consumption is not increasing, it is still growing at a steady pace, while purchasing power and employment are dynamic.
