- European Commission
Industrial production in France remained weak in March, as drops in the production of energy and water offset increases in other industries, according to Insee. France's industrial output declined 0.3% month-on-month in March, compared with a 0.5% rise posted in the previous month. Analysts had expected a 0.1% gain. In annual terms, industrial output rose 1.3% in the reported period compared with the revised 1.2% increase in February. Also, Insee said the nation's manufacturing production remained in positive territory and climbed 0.3% on month in March, against economists' expectations for a 0.2% increase. The European Commission expected the French economy to strengthen over 2015 and 2016, with private consumption being the main catalyst of growth. The EC forecast GDP growth of 1.1% and 1.7% in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Meanwhile, in Germany factory orders rebounded in March after a plunge in the preceding month. Industrial orders rose 0.9% in the reported month, whereas analysts had expected the gauge to show 1.5% growth. In the preceding month, the reading dropped 0.9%. On a yearly basis, the gauge rose 1.9% following a 1.3% decline in the previous month. Markets had projected an annual increase of 1.9% in March.
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