According to the report from INSEE, in December, the consumer confidence indicator rose by 1 point to 89 points, while economists expected the index to remain unchanged. The latest reading was the highest since March 2022. However, the index remains well below its long-term average (100 between January 1987 and December 2022).
INSEE said that the index, which evaluates the opinion of households about their future financial situation, remained unchanged in December, amounting to -10 points. The index reflecting the opinion of households regarding their past financial situation increased by 1 point, to -29 points. Both indices remain below their long-term averages. The balance of opinion regarding the opportunity to make major purchases has not changed (-40 points) and remained well below its average. Meanwhile, the index assessing the opinion of households regarding their current ability to save rose by 1 point, to 14 points. The balance of opinion regarding their ability to save in the future increased by 4 points to 8 points.
The data also showed that the proportion of households who consider that the standard of living in France will improve over the next twelve months has risen slightly - the corresponding balance has gained 1 point, to -45 points, but remains well below its long-term average. Households' fears regarding unemployment are virtually unchanged. The associated balance fell by 1 point, to 26 points, and remains below its long-term average.