Worlds' most optimistic market

India remains the world’s most optimistic market for the eighth consecutive quarter (or for two years in a row) with a one point consumer confidence index increase to 122. “The top spot globally reminds us of the inherent strength of the Indian economy, the savings mindset of the Indian consumer, and the positivity of consumer sentiment which has likely been helped by the recent cooling of inflationary pressure,” said Justin Sargent, Managing ...

Indonesia is second only to India with 117 points in the consumer index chart Philippines follows India and Indonesia at third sport in consumer confidence and spending intentions. “Political turmoil in the Middle East and doubts towards future oil demand, which is indispensible for the Saudi economy, and subsequent austerity measures has led to depressed consumer sentiments in Saudi Arabia,” said Arslan Ashraf, Managing Director, Nielsen Saudi Arabia. “However, through hefty stimulus packages, the Saudi government is making efforts to insulate the economy from these global and regional developments.” In Latin America, Brazil recorded the highest consumer confidence in the region with an index of 112—the fifth highest score of 56 countries measured. In China, the easing of food inflation over the past five months has significantly driven food prices down and adjustments to macro-economic policies have re-energized growth, particularly through more loans, which partly resulted in the four point confidence climb to an index of 108 Rising tensions in the Middle East and their impact on gasoline prices could compound global consumer concerns and spending plans. UAE is in 7th spot amongst the most optimistic markets Thailand with 104 points is the 8th most optimistic market. Australia with 103 points, in 9th position in terms of the consumer index scores is amongst the biggest quarterly gainers(+6) Global consumer confidence increased one index point last quarter to 89, according to fourth quarter 2011 findings from Nielsen. Malaysia with 101 points is ranked as the world’s 10th most optimistic market. In other parts of the world, confidence rose in nearly half (six of 14) of the Asia Pacific markets in the Nielsen survey, fell in five and remained flat in three—Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. Europe led confidence declines in 24 of the region’s 27 measured markets. Romania stood at number 10. In Spain, a favorable outlook for job prospects fell to 10 per cent in Q4—down from 25 percent the prior year. France is the seventh lowest amongst European countries in Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions Consumer confidence fell to a new low in Italy. Even good/excellent employment sentiment fell ten points year-on-year to eight per cent last quarter. South-Korea at 46 points is among those who have seen a dip in consumer confidence Croatia is among the nine countries that recorded a six-year confidence low last quarter Greece saw a steep decline in consumer confidence last quarter (-10). Job prospects continue to be bleak for recession-hit Greece. Portugal is among the most pessimistic markets with a 36-point fall Hungary was the world’s most pessimistic market at 30 index points. "In Hungary, a perfect storm of factors is contributing to low and declining consumer confidence,” said Judit SzalokyToth, Managing Director, Nielsen Hungary. “Rising taxes and unpredictable government regulations coupled with declining disposable income has fueled insecurity and pessimism among consumers."