French industrial order growth slows

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The growth in French industrial orders slowed down in August after a bumper month in July, figures have shown.

New manufacturing orders, excluding heavy transport equipment, rose 0.8% in August, after a 2.6% increase in July, the Insee statistical agency said.

The rate at which industry orders are taken is seen as a leading indicator of the health of the economy.

The French government, currently facing widespread strikes, has said that long-term disruption could harm the economy.

Protesters have held demonstrations and blockaded fuel supplies in opposition to proposed pension reforms.

Orders for exports, another important economic indicator, fell 1.5% in August.