France: Consumer confidence remains stable in August
The consumer confidence index was stable at July’s 94 in August, according to the Statistical Institute (INSEE). Consequently, the index remained below the 100-threshold—its long-term average.
In August, households’ perception of their personal financial situation and standard of living for the coming twelve months remained unchanged from the previous month. Meanwhile, households grew more pessimistic towards buying large-ticket items in the year ahead and more concerned about prices in the coming year. Moreover, consumers’ perception of their current and expected saving capacity deteriorated. On the other hand, their appraisal of their past personal financial situation as well as of their past standard of living improved. Lastly, although consumers’ fears about unemployment eased from the previous month, they still remained well above the long-term average.