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France Sets Livret A Rate at 1.5% From February 1 After Ministerial Approval

Authorities cited slowing inflation, choosing an above-formula rate to protect purchasing power.

Overview

  • The new rate applies from February 1 through July 31, 2026, following the statutory six‑month review.
  • The Banque de France proposed 1.5% by rounding a roughly 1.4% formula result, and Economy Minister Roland Lescure validated the decision.
  • The Livret d’épargne populaire for modest households will be set at 2.5%, preserving a clear advantage over the Livret A.
  • The legal formula combines short-term rates linked to ECB policy with inflation, which eased to 0.8% in December and pushed the calculated rate lower.
  • The shift is nudging savers toward life insurance, reducing borrowing costs for social housing, and benefiting banks, with about 57 million Livret A holders affected.