France's consumer confidence index about the economic situation grew by 1 point from last month, showing less pessimistic about their future financial situation and labor market, the national statistics bureau Insee said Tuesday.

Household appreciation for their past financial balance gained 1 point and 2 points for the future compared to a month before. Their willingness to make major purchases is stable.

As to unemployment rate, less people predicted for an increase of unemployment in the future, but their concerns over labor market remained above its long term average.

France's unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2010 reached 9.7 percent, including 2.6 million jobless people out of active population in metropolitan France, slightly improved from the first quarter but still a high level, Insee data showed.

Household opinions showed more anticipation of slight inflation pressure and more willingness to save as consumers saving capacity index in the next 12 months grew by 3 points, and the intention index increased 6 points.

The statistics institute recorded 0.7 percent economic growth in the second quarter, while for the whole year, the government foresees an annual increase of 1.5 percent.

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