French consumer confidence indicator stabilizes in February

According to the report from Insee, in February 2020, households' confidence in the economic situation has been stable. The synthetic index has stayed at 104, above its long-term average (100). Economists had expected a decrease to 103.

In February, households' opinion balance on their future financial situation has lost two points but remains slightly above its long-term average. The balance related to their past financial situation has gained one point and remains above its long-term average. In addition, the share of households considering it is a suitable time to make major purchases has slightly decreased compared to the previous month: the corresponding balance has lost one point but remains above its average.

In February, households' opinion balance on their expected saving capacity has increased by one point and remains clearly above its long-term average. Household' opinion balance related to their current saving capacity has also gained one point, after four months of stability. The corresponding balance stays above its long-term average. In contrast, the share of households considering it is a suitable time to save kept declining in February (-1 point). The corresponding balance therefore remains below its long-term average.

Households' fears about the unemployment trend have declined markedly in February: the corresponding balance, at its lowest level since July 2007, has lost twelve points.