Consumer confidence recovered modestly, up three points to -41 and translated households’ self effacing feelings through major indicators: the personal financial situation over the last twelve months index gained two points at -27 similarly to the personal financial situation over the next twelve months indicator up only one point at -18. In addition, and regarding their standard of living over the past twelve months, consumers stayed again prudent, the indicator rose three points at -74 as the standard of living over the next twelve months indicator stagnated at 58. The opportunity to make significant purchases indicator improved four points to 30, as households merely anticipated on the January sales season as consumers current financial situation indicator only rose one point at 10 (from 11) while the savings capacity over the next twelve months index fell one point to -19. The opportunity to save money indicator picked up three points in direct relation with rescinding oil prices and lower consumer prices expressed via the price trends over the last twelve months indicator down to -1 (from 8). As in previous month, the unemployment over the next twelve months indicator deteriorated and reached a new record high, up one point at 82.

Consumer confidence remained stable compared with the previous month at -43 points, although sub indices revealed that households’ opinion deteriorated as regards their personal financial situation over the last twelve months, down one point to 28 similarly to the standard of living indicator over the next twelve months dipping two points to -61. Households financial situation over the next twelve months index remained unchanged, denoting pessimism due to the economic downturn, along with the standard of living over the next twelve months. As regards the opportunity to make significant purchases, the index fell back four points to -29 mirroring households declining savings capacity over the newt twelve months index, down four points to -13. The opportunity to save money indicator picked up a modest point to 15 due to rescinding oil prices and past and present declining consumer prices. Fear of unemployment slightly fell back, to 78, and for the second consecutive month, despite accrued lay-offs and redundancy plans.