French Consumer Confidence Falls to Lowest Level Since 2013

French consumer confidence slumped in October, reaching its lowest level since 2013 as households faced a series of financial and social shocks.

Figures reported Tuesday by France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, known as INSEE, showed a sharp deterioration in household sentiment.

The decline came against a backdrop of selling in the bond market, adding financial turbulence to the pressures confronting French households.

Protests that turned into riots further darkened the backdrop. Together, the market upheaval and unrest marked a turbulent period for consumers as confidence weakened.