FX.co ★ French Consumer Confidence Stays Subdued

France’s consumer confidence indicator held steady at 86 in September 2026, matching August’s level. This reading came in slightly above market expectations of 85 but remained below its long-term average of 100.

Households grew marginally more pessimistic about their expected financial situation (down to -14 from -13 in August), even as views on their past financial situation improved somewhat (rising to -26 from -27). Pessimism regarding major purchase intentions eased (up to -37 from -39), but perceptions of saving conditions weakened: the perceived opportunity to save fell to 44 from 46, and both current (17 vs. 20) and expected (15 vs. 17) saving capacity declined.

Unemployment expectations remained high at 55. Assessments of France’s past standard of living deteriorated slightly (down to -81 from -80), while the outlook for the standard of living improved (up to -60 from -62). The savings climate index slipped to 121 from 125.

At the same time, perceptions of past price increases strengthened, rising to 33 from 26, while inflation expectations improved to -9 from -13, indicating somewhat less concern about future inflation pressures.