Irish consumer sentiment recovered in January, reversing a drop recorded following the budget in December. The KBC Ireland/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index rebounded to 64.2 in January from 49.8 in December.

Respite from financial and economic news over the Christmas may have contributed to a slightly less fearful Irish consumer in January, according to KBC. Heavy price discounting in Christmas sales also improved the buying climate.

KBC said the volatility of the market through the second half of 2012 and the beginning of 2013 “highlights the fragility of sentiment” the average Irish consumer feels about economic prospects.