France : reprise à bas régime !

Following near zero growth in 2003, recovery has taken up in 2004 with an expected GDP increase of 2.5 %. Consumption constitutes the main engine for growth in a weak environment of low purchasing power - caused by a stagnant job market and accelerating inflation - where households, helped by low interest rates, resorted to borrowing and spending their previously accumulated savings. For growth to last over 2005, rates must therefore remain low, and investment and job creation need to finally catch up, thus fostering consumption. The present corporate financial health should allow 2.6 % GDP growth in 2005, which will in turn reduce unemployment and boost wages. Significant uncertainties remain though, both internationally (major oil crisis, global slowdown...) and, albeit to a lesser extent, internally (accelerated deficit-targeting fiscal crunch, already forecast to contribute – 0.4 % to growth; or house price bubble bust).