Data published by INSEE showed that the consumer confidence indicator dropped to 98 points in February, compared with 99 points in January. Economists had expected the index to rise to 100 points (long-term average).
INSEE reported that the index of household opinions about their financial situation in the past decreased by 3 points, while the index of opinions about their future personal financial situation increased by 1 point. Meanwhile, the index, reflecting the share of households who believe that now is a good time to make large purchases, increased by 1 point.
The report also showed that the index of household opinions about their future savings opportunities fell by 1 point, and the index of opinions about their current savings capacity increased by 1 point.
As for the standard of living in France, the index, reflecting the share of households that believe that the standard of living has improved over the past twelve months, fell by 4 points. Meanwhile, the index, reflecting the share of households that believe that living standards will improve in the next twelve months, fell by 1 point.
The data also showed that the index, which reflects the share of households who believe that prices have risen over the past twelve months, increased by 16 points and reached the highest level since April 2011.