France Consumer Confidence Plunges to Lowest Since 2013

Overview

In October 2026, consumer confidence in France fell to its lowest level since 2013, driven by increasing fiscal worries and concerns over public finances. The consumer confidence index dropped to 80, significantly below the expected 85 and down from a revised prior reading of 85.

Key Findings

• The consumer confidence index has strayed further from the long-term average of 100, a level not seen since December 2021.
• Most sub-indices showed marked deterioration, with households reporting worsening financial situations both in the past and expected for the future.
• The sub-index measuring past and future living conditions also experienced a significant decline.
• Concerns about inflation are rising, with the sub-index for future prices increasing to -7 points, the highest since May, compared to -32 points in July.
• Unemployment fears have also escalated, with the relevant sub-index rising by 5 points to 61, marking the highest level since March 2021.

Implications

This decline in consumer confidence signals a deteriorating economic climate in France, exacerbated by social unrest and fiscal challenges. The negative sentiment is already reflected in disappointing economic data, including recent French PMI figures.

The European Central Bank (ECB) faces increasing challenges as it navigates a growth slowdown in France, the second-largest economy in Europe, while also managing intensifying price pressures.