In the fourth quarter of 2024, the household confidence index increased slightly to reach 46.5 points, compared to 46.2 points the previous quarter and 44.3 points in the same period of 2023. This development, revealed by the Haut- The Planning Commission (HCP) reflects modest household morale on several aspects of their economic perception.
Concerning the standard of living, 81% of households believe that it has deteriorated over the last 12 months, while 14.2% consider it significantly and only 4.8% report this. Despite this negative perception, expectations for the next 12 months show a slight increase, with 7.7% of households expecting an increase, compared to 53.8% anticipating a deterioration.
In terms of employment, 82.7% of households expect an increase in unemployment in the coming year, compared to only 5.5% who anticipate a decrease. The balance of opinion remains clearly negative, at minus 77.2 points, although slightly improved compared to minus 80.3 points recorded a year earlier.
Households also continue to perceive unfavorable conditions for purchasing durable goods. In fact, 80% believe that this is not the ideal time, while 8.1% consider the opposite. The balance of opinion on this subject deteriorated to minus 71.9 points, compared to minus 69.7 points in the previous quarter.
The current financial situation of households remains worrying: 56.5% declare that their income barely covers their expenses, 41.2% resort to debt or savings, and only 2.3% manage to save part of their money. their income. The balance of opinion on their financial situation stands at minus 38.9 points, showing a slight decrease compared to the previous year (minus 40.3 points).
-Furthermore, the financial outlook remains pessimistic: 15.2% of households hope their situation will improve in the next 12 months, while 31.5% anticipate a deterioration. This perception is reflected in a balance of opinion of minus 16.3 points, slightly better than a year ago (minus 18.1 points).
As for the ability to save, 88.9% of households think they will not be able to put money aside in the coming year. The balance of opinion on this subject remains firmly negative at minus 77.8 points, close to the levels observed in 2023.
Finally, 97.5% of households say that the prices of food products have increased over the last 12 months. The outlook for the coming year is not optimistic, with 83.3% expecting this increase to continue.
This survey, conducted by the HCP, reveals an economic context perceived as difficult by a majority of households, despite some signs of recovery in certain indicators.
