French business confidence grows

Protesters successfully stopped French labour laws being passed

French business confidence climbed slightly in July, a key monthly survey suggested, with bosses optimistic about future growth.

The performance comes despite failed labour reform, political uncertainty ahead of elections, controversial mergers and a struggling car sector.

Statistics office Insee's sentiment index climbed to 109 from June's 107. Outlook on production also climbed.

But a survey in Italy found business confidence there had dropped sharply.

The Italian ISAE research institute said its index had fallen from 98.3 in June to 96.7 in July after 13 consecutive months of rises.

It adds to the conflicting signs on business confidence in Eurozone founder states.

Earlier this month, Germany's ZEW index, which gauges investor sentiment, fell.