Consumer spending in France rose more than expected in April

According to the report from National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), in April 2019, household expenditure on goods increased by 0.8% in volume, after two consecutive months of decline (−0.3% in March and −0.5% in February). Economists had expected a 0.4% increase. Last increase was driven by a rebound in energy consumption (+4.0%) and, to a lesser extent, food consumption (+0.8%). Purchases of manufactured goods fell slightly (−0.4%) for the first time this year.

In April, energy consumption rebounded after two consecutive months of decline. Gas and electricity consumption was on the rise, due in particular to a return to seasonal temperatures in April, after relatively mild ones in February and March. Expenditure on refined products also increased (+1.3%), particularly on diesel.

Food consumption increased (+0.8%), after three consecutive months of decline.

Spending on manufactured goods fell slightly (−0.4%) for the first time this year. In particular, purchases of textile-clothing fell (−1.5%).

Consumption of durable goods was stable in April (+0.0%): the increase in housing equipement purchases (+0.5%) was offset by a decline in transport equipment consumption (−0.4%).