France's consumer confidence index about the economic situation jumped by 5 points in March from February figures, showing less pessimism about their future financial situation and labor market, the national statistics bureau Insee said Tuesday.

Household appreciation for their past financial balance gained 3 points and 7 points for the future compared to a month before. Their willingness to make major purchases was stable.

As to unemployment rate, less people predicted for an increase of unemployment in the future. Joblessness indicator was improved by 6 points but remained "much higher than its long-term average."

Household opinions showed more anticipation of slight inflation pressure and stable willingness to save as consumers saving capacity index in the next 12 months was unchanged at minus 12 points.

French officials had set inflation rate at 1.7 percent while growth rate expected to grow by 0.7 percent for the whole year of 2012.