French consumer confidence eases slightly in May

[PARIS] French consumer confidence eased slightly in May to 93 from 94 in April, the official INSEE statistics agency said on Wednesday, marking a pause after the index increased by a total eight points since last October.

A Reuters poll of 20 economists had an average forecast of 95. The highest forecast was 96 and the lowest was 92. A sharp drop in respondees' perception of their ability to save dragged the index lower.

The index, which is not closely correlated to consumer spending trends, hit an all-time low in May and June 2013 of 79. The highest level since the survey was conducted on a monthly basis was 125 in January 2001.

REUTERS