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Data from FMP. Forecasts by Sigmanomics Forecast Engine.
FranceFrance PMI held to 49.9 in February 2026
FMPMonthlyReleased March 2026
France PMI held to 49.9 in February 2026, released March 2026. The reading matched the 49.9 consensus. Year-over-year, the indicator is up 4.8. Over the past 3 months, PMI averaged 49.78, vs 48.55 in the prior 3-month window. The reading is in the 82nd percentile of the trailing 24-month range.
Latest Release
49.9
Actual
49.9
Consensus
49.9
Previous
Median Absolute Error
±0.36
across last 12 releases
Last Call
Mar 2026
Predicted: 49.95
Actual: 49.9
Error: +0.05
Sigmacast Σ-direction model: consensus + ½ × mean(surprise, trailing 90d).
CORRELATED SYMBOLS— markets that historically move with this indicator
| Symbol | Direction | Correlation | Asset Class | Signal Bias | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTSE 100 | ▼ Inverse | −0.66 | INDEX | Bearish FTSE 100 | → View |
| S&P 500 | ▲ Direct | +0.58 | INDEX | Bullish S&P 500 | → View |
| EUR/JPY | ▼ Inverse | −0.48 | FOREX | Bearish EUR | → View |
| EUR/GBP | ▼ Inverse | −0.39 | FOREX | Bearish EUR | → View |
| DAX | ▲ Direct | +0.31 | INDEX | Bullish DAX | → View |
Correlation based on 12-month rolling window. Click any symbol to view its Sigmanomics forecast page.
THE RELEASE
PMI (France) was reported at 49.90 in March 2026. This matched the market consensus of 49.90 exactly. The reading was unchanged from the previous release. Trailing 12-month context per ETL data through March 2026. Over the past 12 months, the indicator has averaged 49.16, ranging from 46.80 to 50.40 across 16 releases.
WHY IT MATTERS
The trailing three releases averaged 49.63, down from the prior three at 50.17. Volatility over the past year (σ 1.00) is lower than the prior year (σ 1.41). In March readings over the past 3 years, PMI has averaged 47.33.
THE MODEL'S TAKE
Historically, this indicator is negatively correlated with FTSE 100 (Bearish FTSE 100). A secondary relationship exists with S&P 500, positively correlated (Bullish S&P 500). Over the last 12 releases, the Sigmacast model's median absolute error is 0.36.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
Same-country events in the next 14 days include Business Confidence (Jun 23) and S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (Jun 23).
Auto-generated from current model state · Refreshes on each release · Last update March 2026.
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PMI - FR
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About PMI — France
DEFINITION
PMI, or Purchasing Managers' Index, is a widely used economic indicator that measures the health of a country's manufacturing sector. It is based on a monthly survey of purchasing managers from various industries, and provides valuable insights into the overall economic activity and future trends. A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector, while a reading below 50 suggests contraction. This indicator is closely monitored by investors, businesses, and policymakers as it can help inform decisions related to investments, production, and economic policies.
WHY THIS INDICATOR MATTERS
Sentiment surveys are forward-looking inputs that often lead hard data on output and hiring. Sharp swings can drive cross-asset repricing. The release is more useful as part of a longer-run signal than as a single-print catalyst. Released monthly.
WHAT CHANGED THIS MONTH
Latest reading (Feb 2026): actual 49.9, consensus 49.9. Prior reading (Feb 2026): 49.9. Before that (Jan 2026): 49.1.
WHAT'S NEXT
Sigmacast's 1-month forecast points to a similar reading versus the latest print, with the 3-month outlook reinforcing that direction. Both horizons are aligned bearish for this indicator, suggesting a consistent trend signal. Trend-driven dynamics are the primary headwind in the current projection. This indicator correlates most strongly with FTSE 100 (Bearish FTSE 100, r=-0.66) — a useful reference for index-focused traders.