Consumer confidence

Global Consumer Confidence on the Rise Nielsen recently released its report entitled Consumer Confidence, concerns and spending intentions around the world, Quarter 1, 2013. The report has been issued since 2005 and measures consumer confidence, major concerns and spending intentions among more than 29,000 respondents with Internet access in 58 countries. Measurement above and below a baseline of 100 indicate degrees of optimism or pessimism.

The company reports that global consumer confidence indexed at 93 during the quarter. This is a 2 point increase from the previous quarter at the end of 2012. “The increase was driven by the positive performance of self-reported key economic indicators (job prospects, personal finances and ability to spend) in the United States, across key Asian markets, and throughout northern and central Europe.�

North America reported the biggest quarter on quarter increase in consumer confidence, followed by Asia. The US, Germany and Japan all reported increased consumer confidence, with Hong Kong reporting the biggest increase at 23 points. Thailand increase 1 point to reach 116, well above the 100 baseline for optimism.