A renewed appetite for consumption, while savings remain steadfast
46% of those surveyed for L’Observatoire Cetelem 2017 de la Consommation state that they intend to spend more (up 6 points compared to 2016) and 41% are keen to save more (1 point down vs. 2015).
The countries of Eastern Europe post the highest scores, with Slovakia, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania leading the way. But the strongest improvements can be found in more “western” nations, headed by Denmark, France, Spain and Belgium.
On the savings front, the countries that stand out have a more Latin flavour. Portugal and Italy come first and second (57% and 50%), although saving intentions have fallen significantly in the latter (-6%). The Danes, Romanians and Brits all share the third step of this particular podium (48%).
Logic dictates that saving intentions are lower in countries where there is a greater tendency to consume, although they still exceed those of the French, who sit in last place with 34%. However, it should be noted that saving intentions have risen the most in France and Spain (+6% and +20%).