Despite expectations of lower growth, French consumers increased their spending in June by 1.5%. Among the best figures were those for leather and textiles, which saw a 4.6% rise in sales after three months of falls.

The figures were released by French statistical agency Insee, and have boosted hopes that the country could weather the global slowdown through a buoyant domestic market. Inflation stayed steady after rising strongly the previous month, and finance minister Laurent Fabius, predicts growth in GDP over the year of around 2.5%.

Share this story: