Private consumption rebounded 2.3% in September
The French household consumption of manufactured goods, the traditional engine of French growth, has experienced a strong rebound in September in most areas, registering a total increase of 2.3% after declining in July (-1 , 1%) and August (-1.0%), INSEE said Friday. Throughout the third quarter, the decrease was contained to 0.2% after rising by 0.7% in the second quarter. "The rebound in September was largely reflects a surge in auto purchases," Analysis economist Fr?d?rique Cerisier (BNP Paribas).
Purchases of textile and leather depart upward after a difficult summer (-3% in July and -3.8% in August). Despite this catch-up in September, the consumption of textile-leather is in sharp decline over the quarter (-2.5%). Purchases of capital goods also rose housing by 0.2% and 1.6% throughout the quarter.
No stall
"In line with government expectations, consumption continues to resist in France," says one in the entourage of the Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde, who considers "this encouraging development." The minister herself "finds that the effects of scrapping bonus on car purchases remain sensitive, while stressing that" the dynamism of consumption is not only related to the automotive sector. Economists expect a rise of around 0.2% on the year and excludes any stall as long as the devices supporting the automotive sector will be maintained.
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