As millions of savers utilize the Livret A to invest their savings, they may soon face some very bad news. Starting on August 1, its interest rate may drop to 1.7%, affecting many French citizens.
Why the Bad News for Savers?
Secure and accessible to all, with over 55 million accounts opened, the Livret A is undoubtedly the preferred investment of the French. It allows everyone to save money without risk, but with a specific caveat: a yield that is regularly questioned.
The Bank of France and Insee have just made some worrying forecasts. Starting on August 1, 2025, the interest rate of Livret A, currently at 2%, could decrease to just 1.7%.
But why such a drop? Well, the rate calculation mainly depends on inflation and interbank rates, both of which have recently fallen. Thus, the expected inflation rate of 1.3% mid-year naturally pulls the Livret A rate downward.
Although a lower inflation rate is typically good news for purchasing power, this situation turns out to be very bad for small savers. In other words, your Livret A will yield much less despite its popularity, potentially driving many French citizens to seek alternative solutions.
Is the Livret A Still Profitable or Should I Change Investments?
In light of this decrease, should you continue saving in a Livret A? This yield reduction further highlights the issues with this investment, often criticized for being barely able to cover inflation. Ultimately, your money could lose its value.
However, there’s no need to panic. Several options exist to avoid having your savings sit idle without sufficient returns. For instance, you could opt for a life insurance policy with euro funds, which is less flexible but generally more profitable, or consider alternative investments like term accounts or even SCPI.
However, it’s important to remember that every investment comes with its pros and cons. Therefore, take the time to consider your options before making a decision about your savings.