French Confidence Data Shows Mixed Trends in September

• French consumer confidence held steady at 86 in September.
• Business confidence declined to 96, missing expectations.
• Overall sentiment remains below long-term averages.

French confidence data for September presented a mixed picture, with consumer sentiment holding steady while business confidence declined. The INSEE reported that French consumer confidence remained unchanged at 86, exceeding economists’ expectations of 85. However, this figure remains significantly below its long-term average of 100. Concurrently, business confidence fell to 96 from 98 in the prior month, missing the anticipated 97 and moving further below its long-term average. While households’ opinion on future living standards saw a slight rebound, their outlook on personal financial situations for the next twelve months weakened marginally. Overall, these indicators suggest continued subdued domestic demand and cautious hiring within the French economy.