Inflation has accelerated suddenly in May 2026, to 2.4%after coming close to zero at the start of the year. The energy component explains a large part of this jump, with oil prices pushing the whole upwards. Enough to put many savers in an uncomfortable situation. Their investments earn less than inflation takes from them. And this is even more true if the money is simply left… in the current account. “Before even talking about the Livret A, the French have a lot of dormant savings. With this inflation, it is even less important to leave your savings in the current account”recalls Gilles Belloir, general director of Placement-direct.
As for Booklet A? “It remains useful, because it is available at any time and net of taxes. This is the right tool for your precautionary savings, i.e. three to six months’ salary. But this is no longer a way to protect your capital from inflation”he assures. Will the rate revision, expected on August 1, change that? Indeed, the ECB announced at the start of the week an increase in its key rates by a quarter of a point, which could play a favorable role in the calculation. “We could imagine that it would push towards 1.75%, but nothing is certain at this stage. And even at this level, we is not able to fight inflation. »
The Euro life insurance fund: a return to favor
This is the “investment that benefits the most from the current context”assures the expert. Long rates have increased, and precisely, “ insurers are able to seek these returns, they invest over long horizons while providing liquidity ». “ Regulated booklets cannot follow »he adds. Result: the best euro fund contracts served 3.5% in 2025, and some offered temporary boosts to reach 5%.
But the average market rate stands at 2.6% according to France Insurers – which notably recorded a record collection last year. “We have to go for the best contracts, not settle for the average », adds Gilles Belloir, and to do this, do not hesitate to compare the past performances of the contracts with each other, to estimate how they reacted according to the bond context.. “ This is how we have a good tool for hedge against inflation over the long term ».
Consider long-term investments
With the rise in rates, term accounts are becoming attractive again. They show between 2 and 3% depending on the duration, with approximately 2.70% over five years. This type of investment is relevant “if you think that rising inflation is temporary and that you can immobilize a sum over this period »insists our expert. Because nothing says that inflation will not continue, making liquid investments more attractive. As for boosted savings accounts, the trend is on the rise: banks are strengthening their promotional offers to capture savings. At the house of Direct placementa boosted booklet should arrive in July, adds the general director.
We talked about risk-free solutions. But for those looking to really put your savings to workwith a long-term horizon, Gilles Belloir recalls that stocks historically display an annualized return of around 6%. “We always have an interest in have part of your savings in units of account, in funds, in stocks… The volatility is much higher, but this is where the return is built over time. » His advice for today: take it gradually, as the American markets are still at high levels.
Structured products can also fit into this logic, with partial or total capital protection. But we must keep in mind a horizon of up to ten years if market conditions are not favorable at the initial deadline, reminds our expert.
