France’s consumer confidence indicator fell to 82 in May 2026 from 84 in April, undershooting expectations of 83. This marks the lowest reading since March 2023 and takes the index further below its long-term average of 100.
Households became more pessimistic about their personal finances. Assessments of their past financial situation worsened (to -29 from -26 in April), as did expectations for their future finances (to -20 from -19). Perceptions of living standards in France also deteriorated, both with regard to the past (to -81 from -75) and the future (to -70 from -69).
Intentions to make major purchases fell sharply, dropping to -40 from -35. At the same time, unemployment expectations remained high at 54, though they eased slightly from 56.
Households’ perceptions of past price increases strengthened further (to 27 from 25), indicating a stronger sense of recent inflation, while expectations for future inflation eased markedly (to 2 from 10). Saving intentions edged up to 40 from 39, whereas both current and expected saving capacity were unchanged, at 18 and 14 respectively.