French household sentiment indicator hits 10-year high: Insee

French consumers started the new year in a good mood with their appreciation indicator hitting a ten-year high in January, according to data released Friday by national statistics institute Insee.

Consumers gained more confidence in the financial and economic situation in January than a month earlier, with the index standing at its long term-average of 100 points after it had been below this threshold since November 2007, the report said.

In terms of personal finances, the outlook moved up by three points to minus 5, while appreciation of the future economy was almost stable, it added.

Over the period, French consumers were more optimistic about the unemployment as the indicator decreased by three points to 18, Insee monthly figures showed. Endit