French consumer confidence index increases in August

French consumers were more confident of the country's economic performance in August than a month earlier as the consumer appreciation index improved for the second successive month, French national statistical office INSEE said on Friday. The consumer confidence index moved up to 84 in August compared with 82 in July, the office said in a survey. Consumer sentiment has been bolstered largely by expectations that the surge in unempolyment has now stabilized. New jobless claims are now rising by around 7,000 a month, compared with roughly 40,000 a month at the start of the year. Personal financial situation outlook improved by two points to minus 23, while appreciation of the future economy moved up by 7 points to minus 51, but it was considered clearly below its long term average, according to the report. Last month, households' view on joblessness rate was almost stable, but they were more to think that it was not opportune to make major purchases. France, the second largest economy in the eurozone, is currently struggling to narrow its widening budget deficit and boost economic growth. It has targeted 0.1 percent growth this year, and pledged to cut down its deficit to 3.7 percent of GDP.