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Spain Extends Lead in 2025 Growth as France Slows in Q4

Preliminary readings are feeding 2026 budget decisions in both capitals.

Containers are piled up in Frankfurt, Germany, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
A cashier scans products at the checkout of a Carrefour hypermarket in Paris, France, January 4, 2024. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo
FILE -Container ships lie in the harbor of Hamburg, Germany, Oct. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)
Groceries in a shopping cart at Mercadona supermarket, in Ronda, Spain September 30, 2024. REUTERS/Jon Nazca

Overview

  • Spain's GDP rose 2.8% in 2025 after a 0.8% quarter-on-quarter gain in Q4, beating analyst expectations in the flash estimate.
  • Sustained domestic demand, rising purchasing power, and a larger workforce linked to migration underpinned Spain's outperformance versus major euro peers.
  • France grew 0.9% in 2025 with Q4 growth easing to 0.2% quarter on quarter, topping the 0.7% assumption used for its budget planning.
  • INSEE said Q4 dynamics in France included a one-point drag from inventory rundown, a 0.9-point boost from net trade, and a 0.3-point lift from domestic demand.
  • French ministers voiced hopes for about 1% growth in 2026 as the government moves to pass its budget, while Spain's economy chief cited robust January data supporting a 2.2% goal.