France
The impact of the energy price shock has been limited so far. Expected price indices rebounded only slightly in March, across all sectors (a very different situation to 2022). For the time being, this shock does not involve any major supply constraints. Output is likely to be more severely affected by falling demand as the issue of purchasing power resurfaces.
Italy
Business sentiment remains solid for the time being, despite the energy shock. Above all, companies are reporting, above all, a rise in input costs, which is expected to lead to higher prices for goods sold in the coming months. Output remains buoyant, in both industry and services. However, household confidence is deteriorating significantly, driven by sharply rising inflation expectations.
United Kingdom
Surveys suggest a healthy level of activity in Q1 but are already showing signs of deterioration from Q2 onwards. Business sentiment indicators were fairly positive at the start of 2026. However, they now point to a downturn, with a resurgence of supply constraints and an expected deterioration in demand (from both businesses and households). The manufacturing output index is contracting for the first time in six months.
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In this issue, Stéphane Colliac, Lucie Barette, Thomas Humblot and Marianne Mueller examine the economic situation in #France, #Italy and the #UnitedKingdom.