French 2018 growth slows to 1.5pc

French economic growth slowed to 1.5 per cent last year from 2.3pc in 2017, hit by weaker consumer demand amid the turmoil of end-year “yellow vest” protests, official figures showed yesterday. The official INSEE statistics office said consumer spending was unchanged in the last three months of 2018, compared with a rise of 0.4pc in the third quarter, as the protests against increased taxes and falling living standards caused widespread disruption.

External trade provided support for the economy in the fourth quarter, along with goods and services but investment was weak, INSEE said. Exports rose 3.1pc last year, compared with a gain of 4.7pc in 2017, while imports were up 1.1 percent after a rise of 4.1pc.