France

France is a northern European democracy with a population of over 60 million.  Local stocks are traded on the Euronext (owned by NYSE Euronext) and are best represented by the CAC40 Index.  France is home to some of the world's largest utilities companies and financial institutions.  France is part of the European Union and has adopted the European Dollar (Euro) as its currency.  Monetary policy is conducted through the European Central Bank (ECB).  The Euro currency is a free floating and highly traded currency.   The Euro is gaining ground as a reserve currency along side the US Dollar.

Published Material:    

-0.3%

GDP Annual
(Q4, YoY)

1.00%

Interest Rate
(ECB set: 7 May 2009)

10.1%

Unemployment Rate