The Consumer Confidence Index figure has returned to levels seen at the beginning of 2003, according to Research carried out in the UK by Martin Hamblin GfK on behalf of the European Commission. Perceptions of the general economy and personal household situation in the last 12 months remain low, but future expectations continue to improve, now that the Iraq war has concluded. Purchase intentions and preparedness to save have also risen.
The general population still feels negative about the way their finances have gone over the last year but are becoming more optimistic about the future. Perceptions of the former have decreased by 7 points this month to -4, the lowest score seen since November 2000, whereas expectations for the future of personal finances have increased by 2 points during May and currently stand at +11. Comparing expectations with perceptions of the last 12 months over time suggests that consumers have been consistently over-optimistic about their situation.
Over half of the sample (54%) believe that the general economic situation has worsened over the past 12 months. This month's measure is also down 20 points from the score attained this time last year. However, expectations for the future of the general economic situation have shown considerable improvement this month, as last.
Other key scores from the research are as follows:
All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.
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