French consumer sentiment rises again in September, remains above long-term average

French consumer sentiment rose again in the month of September. The households’ confidence in the economic situation rose to 104, remaining above its long-term average of 100. Households’ opinion balance on their future financial situation rose for the third straight month and continues to be above its long-term average. Households’ opinion balance regarding their past financial situation has been stable and also remains above its long-term average.

Moreover, the share of households considering it is a suitable time to make major purchases has risen a bit from the prior month and continues to be above its long-term average. Meanwhile, households’ opinion on their expected saving capacity has rebounded noticeably. The corresponding balance has risen three points and continues to move away from its long-term average. The current saving capacity balance has also risen by one point. The share of households considering it is a suitable time to save has dropped. The corresponding balance dropped 2 points and remains below its long term average.

The share of French consumers considering that the past standard of living in France has rebounded in the past 12 months has risen. The corresponding balance rose by 3 points after a 2 point fall in August and continues to be above its long-term average. The consumers’ opinion regarding the future standard of living in France has been stable. It stands a bit above its long-term average.

Consumers’ fears regarding the unemployment trend have dropped again in September: the corresponding balance has dropped by five points after a six point fall in August. It therefore has reached its lowest level since January 2018, well below its long-term average.

Meanwhile, consumers considering that prices will be on the rise in the next 12 months have been less numerous than the previous month: the corresponding balance has dropped four points but continues to be above its long-term average. On the contrary, the share of households considering that prices rose in the past 12 months has been stable.