In November, consumer confidence in France declined to its lowest point in five months, as indicated by recent survey data released by INSEE, the national statistics office. The consumer sentiment index fell to 90 in November, down from 93 in October, remaining significantly below the long-term average of 100.
The outlook on personal financial situations deteriorated, with the sub-index dropping to -13.0 from -8.0 in the previous month. Similarly, the index assessing past financial situations of households slightly decreased to -23 from -22.
The percentage of households considering it an opportune moment for major purchases saw a marginal decrease, as the related index slipped to -30 from -29.
Further, consumers expressed heightened pessimism regarding the future general economic climate in the country. This sentiment was reflected in the respective index, which fell to -51 from -43. The indicator for the past economic circumstances also decreased slightly, reaching -69 from -67 in October.
While households maintained a positive view of their future savings potential, their optimism lessened this month, with the corresponding index reducing from 13 to 11.
Notably, apprehensions about unemployment escalated, with the balance rising markedly to 42 from 33. Moreover, the proportion of households anticipating price increases over the next year continued to grow in November.
