FX.co ★ French Consumer Spending Slumps 1.4% in February, Reversing January Gain

French consumer spending contracted sharply in February 2026, falling 1.4% month-over-month, according to data updated on 31 March 2026. The decline marks a significant reversal from January 2026, when spending rose 0.4% compared with the previous month.

The month-over-month comparison shows that February’s reading not only erased January’s modest growth but signaled a clear loss of momentum in household demand. The “Actual” figure reflects the change from January to February, while the “Previous” value captures January’s change relative to December, highlighting how quickly the spending trend has shifted within the first two months of the year. Investors and policymakers will now be watching upcoming releases to see whether this downturn in consumer activity proves temporary or the beginning of a more persistent soft patch in France’s domestic demand.