French growth flatlines as Iran war energy shock hits economy

France's economy ground to a halt in the first quarter of 2026, with gross domestic product remaining flat between January and March. Consumer spending dipped 0.1% and overall investment fell 0.4%, dragged down by declines in construction and manufactured goods. Exports slumped 3.8%, while inflation quickened to 2.2% in April, the highest reading since mid-2024, due to soaring energy costs linked to the Iran war.