French consumer confidence hits a 2013 low in October amid protests

• French consumer confidence fell to 80 in October, its lowest since June 2013, as protests spread and Reuters economists had expected 85.
• INSEE said households grew more worried about inflation, with more saying prices had risen sharply over the past 12 months.
• Views on personal finances, unemployment and savings all worsened, showing broad gloom and weaker confidence in the economy.

French consumer confidence fell by five points to 80 in October, its lowest level since June 2013, amid widespread protests in the country, official statistics agency INSEE said on Oct 27.

The country is being hit by a wave of protests, which began with small student demonstrations in suburban Paris in September to denounce school conditions and swiftly broadened into a wider protest against the government’s economic policies.

Economists surveyed by Reuters had expected confidence to be 85, the same as the revised September number.

The latest consumer confidence level is well below a long-term average of 100 between January 1987 and December 2025, and they are gloomy over a host of indicators.

The proportion of consumers who believe that prices have risen sharply over the past 12 months has risen by eight points, having already gained six points in September.

Households’ sentiment towards their past and future personal financial situations has dropped by nine and six points, respectively.

Fears over the trend in unemployment are on the rise again, up by five points following a fall in September.

The proportion of households considering this a good time for savings has fallen by six points, while views on their current ability to save remain stable. REUTERS