26 March 2010
2010- n° 83In March, consumer confidence indicator is still decreasing (–1 point) Monthly consumer confidence survey - March 2010
In March 2010, the consumer confidence indicator decreases again: it loses 1 point (s.a. data) with respect to February*, in line with the last month.
In March 2010, the consumer confidence indicator decreases again: it loses 1 point (s.a. data) with respect to February*, in line with the last month.
Components of the confidence indicator
Households expect a more somber general economic situation in France
In March, households appreciation of past general economic situation still deteriorates (–1 point with respect to February). Above all, the opinion on the expected general economic situation goes notably down (–5 points). On the contrary, balances of opinion on the personal financial situation are recovering: the balance on the expectations is stable while the one on the past personal financial situation gains 2 points. Households are also more numerous to report a positive opinion on the current environment for major purchases (+1 point).
graphiqueGraph1_english – Summary consumer confidence indicator
Other opinion balances
Future unemployment: slight rise anticipated
In March, households are more numerous to expect an increase in unemployment (+5 points with respect to January). Since its highest historical value in June 2009, this balance had steadily decreased by 35 points.
Inflation’s appreciation: slightly increasing but still low
In March, perception of past inflation gains 1 point with respect to February. The expected inflation balance of opinion also increases (+2 points). These two balances remain however under their long term average.
More optimism about the expected capacity to save
Households’ opinion about their current financial situation gains 1 point and remains higher than its long term value.
Households believe that their capacity to save improves (+2 points). Nevertheless, their saving intentions goes down by 2 points, after several months of raise.
tableauenglish_tempo – Consumer opinion
| 2009 | 2010 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average* | Dec. | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | |
| Summary indicator | –18 | –31 | –30 | –33 | –34 |
| Financial situation, past 12 months | –17 | –20 | –21 | –25 | –23 |
| Financial situation, next 12 months | –1 | –10 | –11 | –12 | –12 |
| General economic situation, past 12 months | –39 | –66 | –62 | –67 | –68 |
| General economic situation, next 12 months | –21 | –37 | –35 | –36 | –41 |
| Major purchases intentions, next 12 months | –13 | –21 | –21 | –24 | –23 |
- * average value since 1987
graphiquechomage_en – Households' unemployment expectations
graphiqueprix_en – Households' perception of prices
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