JANUARY 2010
Consumer Confidence rose one point to -29 but remained 10 points below a long term average of -18, despite noticeable improvements as regards the household's index standard of living over the last twelve months, up three points at - 62. Over the next twelve months, households expressed more assurance as the index rose two points to -34 but showed resignation on each their personal financial situation over the past twelve months, and over the next twelve months with the index stagnating around -21 for the third consecutive month and at -10. The opportunity to make significant purchases rose one point to -19, however six points below a long term average at -13.
At a more detailed level, households current personal financial situation increased two points to 20, nine points above a long term average of 11. By contrast, households savings capacity over the next twelve months rose two modest points to -4 as their current savings capacity reached a record high 21 points, one point above a long term average of 20 points. On unemployment over the next twelve months, households expressed accrued concern as the index grew two points to 64, or twice a long term average of 32 points. Unlike previous months and due to unusually cold temperatures sending inflationary pressures to food prices, households felt that price trends over the past twelve months increased substantially with the index gaining three points to -22. Similarly and over the next twelve months, households foresee higher inflation with the index rising five points to -37
