PARIS, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- France's economic growth is expected to slow down to zero by the end of this year, according to the forecast of the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) on Wednesday.
INSEE estimated a 0.2 percent growth for the third quarter, followed by zero in the last three months of this year.
The forecast for economic growth in the fourth quarter (Q4) appears "more uncertain", due to monetary tightening -- particularly in the United States -- and uncertainties over energy supplies to Europe. A contraction in gross domestic product (GDP) in Q4 cannot be ruled out if energy supply difficulty turns worse, INSEE said.
As for the whole year, INSEE expects the annual gross GDP growth would reach 2.6 percent.
In the meantime, INSEE predicts that France's inflation would stabilize a little below 6 percent in September and October, then rise to around 6.5 percent in December.
The national statistics agency said measures such as "discount at the pump" and the tariff shield on gas and electricity prices should contribute to reducing energy inflation in France in September and October.
"But inflation would nevertheless reach around 6.5 percent in December, particularly due to the continuous increase in food prices," the agency added.
