In Q4 2014, French GDP in volume terms increased by 0.1%, in line with market forecasts. Over the year, GDP rose by 0.4% as in 2013. Household consumption expenditure increased slightly by the end of the year (+0.2% after +0.3% in Q3 2014). Conversely, total gross fixed capital formation still decreased (–0.5% after –0.6%).
Thus,
final domestic demand rose slightly and contributed for +0.1 points to GDP after +0.2 points in Q3. Exports accelarated markedly in Q4 (+2.3% after +0.7%), while imports kept on increasing (+1.7% after +1.3%). Ultimately, foreign
trade balance contributed positively to activity: +0.1 points after –0.2 points. Conversely, changes in inventories contributed for –0.2 points, after +0.3 points the previous quarter.
Data did not have any major impact on the markets. Euro is currently being traded around 1.1430 level. Pair is likely to find support around 1.1350 level and resistance near 1.15 handle. Later today, German, Italian and Eurozone GDP figures are scheduled for a release.