Consumer confidence index rises

In the 3rd quarter of 2013 Nielsen measured 4 points higher consumer confidence index than in the 2nd quarter, the index reaching the biggest height since 2010 with 45 points (but Hungary’s index is still the lowest of the 60 countries examined). About the three components of the index: 15 percent of the survey’s participants said their personal finances would be better in the following twelve months; 8 percent had the same positive view of their workplace outlook for the same period and 10 percent opined that now is a good time to buy what they fancy or need – values were up 1, 2 and 3 percentage points from the second quarter, respectively. Having covered their cost of living, 26 percent of Hungarians used the remaining sum to pay off debt in the third quarter; 20 percent saved up, 19 percent refurbished or furnished their flats, 18 purchased new clothing items and 14 percent were spending on various programmes outside their homes – at the same time 40 percent of Hungarians said they had no money to spend after having covered living costs.