25 February 2010
2010- n° 55In February, consumers confidence stops its recovery (–3 points) Monthly consumer confidence survey - February 2010
In February 2010, the seasonally adjusted summary consumer confidence indicator loses 3 points with respect to January*. For the first time since October 2008, the confidence indicator is significantly decreasing.
In February 2010, the seasonally adjusted summary consumer confidence indicator loses 3 points with respect to January*. For the first time since October 2008, the confidence indicator is significantly decreasing.
Components of the confidence indicator
The appreciation of the past is the most weakening
In February, households appreciation of past general economic situation notably decreases (–5 points with respect to January), so does the past personal financial situation (–4 points). Households expectations are less depreciated: the balance on the expected general economic situation loses 1 point while the balance on their expected personal financial situation loses 2 points. The balance on the current environment for major purchases also loses 3 points.
graphiqueGraph1_english – Summary consumer confidence indicator
Other opinion balances
Future unemployment: lowers but still high
In February, households are less numerous to expect an increase in unemployment (–6 points with respect to January). This balance has lost 36 points since June 2009 (its highest historical value), but remains largely above its long term average.
Inflation’s appreciation: lowering again
In February, perception of past inflation decreases by 4 points and expected inflation balance of opinion goes down by 1 point. These two balances remain lower than their long term average value.
Financial situation: households are pessimistic
Households’ opinion about their current financial situation loses 4 points but remains higher than its long term value.
Households believe that their capacity to save goes markedly down (–7 points). Nevertheless, their saving intentions have largely improved over the last few months and are equal to their long term average value.
tableauenglish_tempo – Consumer opinion
| 2009 | 2010 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average* | Nov. | Dec. | Jan. | Feb. | |
| Summary indicator | –18 | –30 | –31 | –30 | –33 |
| Financial situation, past 12 months | –17 | –22 | –20 | –21 | –25 |
| Financial situation, next 12 months | –1 | –8 | –10 | –10 | –12 |
| General economic situation, past 12 months | –39 | –66 | –66 | –62 | –67 |
| General economic situation, next 12 months | –20 | –36 | –37 | –34 | –35 |
| Major purchases intentions, next 12 months | –13 | –19 | –21 | –21 | –24 |
- * average value since 1987
graphiquechomage_en – Households' unemployment expectations
graphiqueprix_en – Households' perception of prices
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