French industry takes slight hit in February
The overall industrial production index of France, excluding energy, showed a monthly decrease of 1%. February 2005 figures came in at 100.6 points (2000=100). January's index, which had increased 0.3% from December, was 101.6 points. The production of metals and metallic products showed a 2.3% decrease. Output of mineral products fell 3.7%, while electric and electronic components dropped off 2.1%. Production of consumer goods slipped 0.4%, and the automobile industry also showed a 1.0% dip. Energy, however, increased 2.6%.