Global Consumer Confidence Improves, Degree of Pessimism Persists

Nielsen Global Online Consumer Confidence Survey


Conditions Are Improved, But Still Fragile Global online consumer confidence increased +5 to 94 and in 38 of 56 markets measured. The economy, job security, and work/life balance were the top 3 global concerns. The survey was conducted between February 10 and February 27, 2012. Consumer confidence levels above and below a baseline of 100 indicate degrees of optimism and pessimism. Therefore, the current reading indicates a degree of pessimism.

Key Findings
● Consumer Confidence around the world increases five points to 94
● Consistent good news outweighed the bad
● Economy and job security remained top concerns
● More than half of global respondents (57%) said they are in a recession
● Overall consumer confidence increased across the regions
● Confidence increased in 16 of 27 European markets

Global Online Consumer Confidence The current reading of 94 (+5) is above the chart average (90.3).




Global Online Consumer Confidence by Region Asia Pacific continues highest at 103 (+4), followed by Latin America at 98 (nc) and the Middle East/Africa at 97 (+2). North America improved dramatically to 92 (+8). Europe continues trailing at 72 (+1).

 

Confidence by Country India continues as the most optimistic country at 123 (+1), followed by Saudi Arabia 119 (+6), Indonesia 118 (+1), Philippines 118 (+1), Brazil 110 (-2), and China 110 (+2). Hungary continues as the most pessimistic country at 32 (+2), followed by Greece 37 (-4), Portugal 39 (+3), Croatia 45 (+2), Italy 45 (-4), and South Korea 49 (+3).

U.S. Consumer Confidence Consumer confidence in the U.S. increased +9 to 92 and is mid-tier worldwide. Previous readings were 83 in Q4 2011, 77 in Q3 2011, 78 in Q2 2011, and 83 in Q1 2011.

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