27 April 2010
2010- n° 115In April, households confirm their pessimism (–3 points) Monthly consumer confidence survey - April 2010
In April 2010, the consumer confidence indicator decreases again: it loses 3 points (s.a. data) with respect to March*. This indicator has been decreasing since the beginning of the year.
In April 2010, the consumer confidence indicator decreases again: it loses 3 points (s.a. data) with respect to March*. This indicator has been decreasing since the beginning of the year.
Components of the confidence indicator
Expected general economic situation deteriorates anew
In April, households appreciation of past general economic situation still decreases (–1 point with respect to March). Above all, the opinion on the expected general economic situation deteriorates (–4 points) after an already steep decrease in March (-6 points). Households are also more pessimistic about their own financial situation: the balance on expectations looses 2 points while the one on the past personal financial situation looses 1 point. Households are also less numerous to report a positive opinion on the timeliness to make major purchases (–3 points).
graphiqueGraph1_english – Summary consumer confidence indicator
Other opinion balances
Future unemployment: fears remain
In April, households are slightly more numerous to expect an increase in unemployment (+1 point after +4 in March). Fears had been dispelling in the second semester of 2009 but they slightly rekindle since the beginning of the year.
Inflation’s appreciation: higher than its long term average
In April, households report that past inflation has increased: the corresponding balance of opinion gains 6 points. The expected inflation balance of opinion also increases (+4 points). These two balances are now little above their long term average.
Current financial situation of households is stable
Households’ opinion about their current financial situation is stable and remains higher than its long term value.
Households believe that their capacity to save worsens (–1 point). In addition, their saving intentions goes down by 1 point as well.
tableauenglish_tempo – Consumer opinion
| 2010 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average* | Jan. | Feb. | March. | Apr. | |
| Summary indicator | –18 | –30 | –33 | –34 | –37 |
| Financial situation, past 12 months | –17 | –21 | –25 | –24 | –25 |
| Financial situation, next 12 months | –1 | –11 | –12 | –13 | –15 |
| General economic situation, past 12 months | –39 | –62 | –67 | –68 | –69 |
| General economic situation, next 12 months | –21 | –36 | –36 | –42 | –46 |
| Major purchases intentions, next 12 months | –13 | –21 | –25 | –24 | –27 |
- * average value since 1987
graphiquechomage_en – Households' unemployment expectations
graphiqueprix_en – Households' perception of prices
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