Consumers confident despite slowing economy, survey finds

Irish consumers are upbeat about their prospects, despite the slowing economy and turmoil in the banks, according to the latest survey.

Standard Life's Consumer Confidence Index, which is published today, registers a score of 66 out of 100, compared with 62 three months ago, indicating that confidence is high. The survey, based on the responses of 1,000 adults to questions about their financial security, shows that men, with a score of 67, are slightly more optimistic than women, who registered 65.

Standard Life chief executive Michael Leahy says the positive results are a reflection of the fact that people have coped well with the uncertainty of the last nine months.

"Nine months ago homeowners were wondering how much interest rates would increase by and whether they could cope," he says.

"They have lived and coped with higher rates for some time. In addition, people obviously have a strong sense of job security as this would typically be a major contributor to financial confidence."

Those aged 65 and over are more confident, registering a score of 73 out of 100, reflecting the fact that they have lower costs than younger people.

"Retired people tend to be mortgage-free and hold more money on deposit proportionately," Mr Leahy says.

"The flip side of higher interest rates for this age group is higher returns on their savings."

However, confidence has fallen amongst the 35 to 44-year-olds over the last three months. This group registers 62 out of 100, compared with 64 last June.

Connacht/Ulster respondents replace Dublin-based individuals as those feeling most financially secure.