Banque de France Slashes 2026 Growth Forecast to 0.5%

The Banque de France has cut its 2026 GDP growth forecast nearly in half, from 0.9% to 0.5%, signaling a significantly weaker economic outlook for the eurozone's second-largest economy. EUR/USD and EUR/GBP are the primary pairs to watch. A dimmer French growth outlook adds pressure on the ECB to maintain or extend easing, weakening the euro's rate-differential appeal against the dollar and pound.