France: Inflation logs weakest reading in over four years in September
Consumer prices dropped a seasonally-adjusted 0.50% in September over the previous month, a sharper drop than August’s 0.10% decrease , according to a preliminary reading by the Statistical Institute (INSEE). September’s reading marked the sharpest fall in prices since January 2016 and largely reflected lower food and energy prices.
Similarly, harmonized consumer prices declined 0.6% over the previous month in September, down from August’s 0.1% drop. Moreover, harmonized inflation was stable in September, down from August’s 0.2%. September’s reading represented the weakest inflation rate since April 2016. In addition, the trend pointed down mildly, with annual average harmonized inflation coming in at 0.8% in September (August: 0.9%).