Ireland’s consumer confidence improved in March to its highest level in three months, despite consumers concerns about employment prospects, survey figures from Economic and Social Research Institute showed Thursday.
The overall KBC Ireland/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 97.8 in March from 96.1 in February. It was the highest score since January’s 101.1.
“In March, consumer sentiment recovered some of the decline incurred last month, with this month’s sentiment amongst the highest recorded since April 2006,” the think tank said.
“This, along with continued gains in the 3-month moving average suggests that consumer’s sentiment is showing signs of improvement.”
Among sub-indices, consumers’ expectations regarding economic situations over the next twelve months strengthened in March, with the corresponding index rising to 89.6 from 88.6 in February.
The index measuring the current economic situation also rose to 110.0 in March from 107.2 in the prior month.
Consumers’ personal financial situation over the next one year improved in March. The corresponding index climbed to 105.6 from 100.1.
Meanwhile, the index reflecting the outlook for employment worsened to 89.6 in March from 99.2 in February.
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