Household morale in France deteriorated slightly again in March, with the French particularly concerned about the evolution of their standard of living, INSEE announced on Wednesday.
The indicator, which reflects household confidence, lost one point to 81 points, after having already lost one point in February.
This level is close to the lowest historical level of the indicator, whose long-term average is 100.
The opinion of households on the past evolution of the standard of living in France loses three points and “
returns to its historic low point of July 2022
”, specifies the National Institute of Statistics (Insee) in its press release.
The change in the standard of living that the French are anticipating for the next 12 months is also deteriorating a little again, again remaining at a level well below the long-term average.
Read alsoThe morale of French households remains very poor in February
The ability to save increases
Households' opinions on their own past and future financial situation, as well as on the advisability of making major purchases are stable, but still at very low levels.
This pessimism should be put into perspective with the rise in prices, as the share of households who consider that prices have risen sharply over the past 12 months continues to grow, reaching its highest level since the mid-1970s.
A more favorable sign for consumption, the opportunity to save has lost four points, after rising sharply in February, but still remains well above its long-term average.
The capacity to save, both current and future, increases a little, and remains at a level higher than the average.
Another positive sign, the fear of unemployment is decreasing and remains below its long-term average, further specifies INSEE.
