The key facts

  • France's consumer confidence index fell five points to 80 in October — the lowest since June 2013
  • The indicator was expected to remain at 85; the long-term average is 100
  • Sentiment was affected by protests since mid-September, fears of unemployment and rising prices

Sharp drop in the index

Consumer confidence in France fell in October to its lowest level in 13 years amid escalating protests, fears of rising unemployment and the rising cost of living. The index dropped five points from September to 80, its lowest reading since June 2013. The data was released by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), reports Anadolu.

Worse than forecasts and the historical norm

The figure came in noticeably below market expectations: analysts had assumed the index would remain at 85. It also lags far behind the long-term average of 100 points, recorded for the period from January 1987 to December 2025.

Protests and pressure on households

The unrest began in mid-September with actions by high school students demanding better educational conditions and quickly grew into mass demonstrations against the government's economic policy. At the same time, rising prices weighed on household sentiment: the share of consumers who believe that prices have risen sharply over the past 12 months increased by eight points.

Financial expectations and savings

Assessments of personal finances also deteriorated: the sub-index of expectations for future financial standing fell by nine points, while assessments of past financial situation dropped by six. Both indicators moved even further below their historical averages, and the share of those who consider the current moment a good time for major purchases declined by four points. Fears of unemployment rose by five points in October after a temporary dip in September. Saving intentions weakened: the share of those who see the current period as a 'good time' to save fell by six points, and expectations of future saving capacity by three, while assessments of current saving capacity remained unchanged. Despite the decline, the composite saving climate index held at 118, remaining above the long-term average of 100.