Consumers less pessimistic

The mood among consumers improved in October 2010. The consumer confidence index stood at -10 in October versus -14 in September, thus reaching the highest level since January 2010.

Consumer confidence

Consumers’ willingness to buy improved. They were much more optimistic about their own financial situation in the next 12 months. The indicator improved 5 points to -4. Consumers also thought it was a more favourable time to buy expensive items than in the previous month. This component of consumer confidence improved from -13 to -9. Consumers’ opinions on their financial situation in the past 12 months remained unchanged. 

Consumers were much less negative about the economic climate. They thought the economic situation in the past 12 months had improved. Their opinions on the economic situation over the next 12 months improved as well, though to a lesser extent.

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted