Consumer confidence in France falls to 13-year low in shadow of protests

The French National Institute of Statistics (INSEE) announced the consumer confidence index data for October.

Accordingly, the consumer confidence index decreased by 5 points compared to the previous month and fell to the level of 80. This was the lowest level recorded since June 2013.

Market expectations were that the index would remain stable at 85 points in October. The index, which was below expectations, continued to remain well below its long-term average of 100 points between January 1987 and December 2025.

The protests launched in mid-September by high school students in France demanding improved educational conditions quickly turned into large-scale mass protests against the government's economic policies.

In addition to the social unrest, financial difficulties were directly reflected in consumer trends. The proportion of consumers who think prices have increased sharply in the last 12 months rose another 8 points in October.

There was also a significant deterioration in the household's perception of their personal financial situation. Consumers' expectation index for their future financial situation decreased by 9 points, and their evaluations of their past financial situation decreased by 6 points. While both indicators are rapidly moving away from their historical averages, the rate of those who think that it is an appropriate time to make large purchases in the current economic conjuncture decreased by 4 points.

Unemployment, which recorded a temporary decrease in September, turned upwards again in October and increased by 5 points. On the other hand, a weakening in consumers' savings tendencies was also observed. The proportion of households describing the current period as a "good time" to save decreased by 6 points.

While expectations for future saving capacity decreased by 3 points, perception of current saving ability remained flat. Despite this decrease, the general savings climate index managed to maintain its course above 100, which is its long-term average, with 118 points.

Source: TRT Haber Ekonomi RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)