French Consumer Sentiment Unexpectedly Falls Amid Political Gloom
(Bloomberg) -- French consumer confidence unexpectedly fell in December to the lowest level in a year, adding to signals the country’s prolonged political and budget crisis is weighing on the economic outlook.
Most Read from Bloomberg
NYC’s Subway Violence Deters Drive to Bring Workers Back to Office
NYC Condo Owners May Bear Costs of Landmark Green Building Law
The measure of sentiment slipped one point to 89 in December after declines in both the previous months. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast the reading would be unchanged from November at 90.
France’s government collapsed early in December in a parliamentary row over the 2025 budget. The new prime minister, Francois Bayrou, is now struggling to piece together a revamped finance bill as the country relies on emergency legislation to avoid a shutdown.
Insee said last month that the economy will likely be stuck with slow growth throughout the first half of this year with business investment remaining weak amid the uncertainty over taxation and public spending.
The monthly report on consumer sentiment showed living standards deteriorated and pessimism on the labor market rose sharply.
--With assistance from Barbara Sladkowska.
Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek
The US Government Is Sitting on a Possible Solution to the Housing Crisis
Luxury Brands Need to Get Over Their Youth Fixation to Offset Drag From Trump’s Tariffs
The US’s Worst Fears of Chinese Hacking Are on Display in Guam
©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
