France, Oct. 17 -- French households are saving at near-record levels, putting aside nearly 19 percent of their income since the start of the year. While the country has historically had a high savings rate, the increase reveals unease about the future and growing uncertainty around France's social safety net.

French households saved 18.6 percent of their income in the first quarter of 2025 - more than €6.4 trillion, according to the Banque de France.

The country hit a record level of savings during the Covid-19 pandemic, in part because lockdowns and business closures limited where money could be spent. While savings levels have since dropped, they remain higher than pre-Covid levels. Signs of uncertainty

"The more people feel a...