According to the business leaders surveyed between the 28th of September and the 19th of October, business prospects have darkened compared to the previous month. The composite indicator of the French business climate has fallen back by two points. At 90, it has returned to its level of August, significantly below its long term average (100). The decline is marked in services, in particular in accommodation and food services, a sub-sector affected by the strengthening of health containment measures. The decline is more moderate in manufacturing. In retail trade, the business climate is stable. The activity prospects declared by business managers in building industry have also stabilised.

In October 2020, with the rebound in the COVID-19 epidemic, the employment climate has deteriorated, putting a halt to the continuous and sustained recovery observed since May. At 89, it has lost three points compared to September and remains far below its level before crisis (above 105).