By Maria Martinez 
 

French business sentiment improved in November, the French national statistics institute Insee said Thursday.

Business sentiment in manufacturing stood at 100 in November, up from 99 in October. Numbers above 100 suggest increased confidence in near-term business performance, while numbers below 100 indicate pessimism.

The overall composite indicator remained unchanged from October at 105.

Insee said the French business climate is stable currently, and above its long-term average, while the employment climate has improved. In November, the employment climate gained two points and now stands at 108.

"This indicator has reached its highest level since August 2018, well above its long-term average," Insee said.

The business climate for retail gained two points, reaching 107, and remained stable in services at 106, unchanged from October and September.

On the other hand, business confidence in building construction and wholesale trade fell to 111 and 105, respectively. Though lower, Insee said they remain at a high level.

Write to Maria Martinez at maria.martinez@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 21, 2019 04:26 ET (09:26 GMT)

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