{"id":23573,"date":"2021-10-22T09:56:51","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T13:56:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=23573"},"modified":"2021-10-22T09:56:52","modified_gmt":"2021-10-22T13:56:52","slug":"consumer-sentiment-steady-despite-worries-about-personal-finances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=23573","title":{"rendered":"Consumer Sentiment Steady Despite Worries About Personal Finances"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The economy has largely reopened, but the Government this week said it would retain a requirement for vaccine certificates in bars and restaurants for several more months (PA)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Consumer sentiment held steady in October just below June’s two-year high as respondents reported growing confidence about the economic recovery but lingering concerns about their personal finances, a survey shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The KBC Bank Ireland consumer sentiment inched up to 86.8 from 86.4 in September. It reached a coronavirus pandemic-high of 87.2 in June as restaurants and pubs began to reopen following the third and longest shutdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The economy has largely reopened, but the Government this week said it would retain a requirement for vaccine certificates in bars and restaurants for several more months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The dominant mood appears to be one of continuing caution born out of uncertainty and experience rather than runaway confidence that would reflect a view that the worst is behind us,” said KBC Ireland chief economist Austin Hughes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The consumer survey also found that lower-paid people are more likely to feel the impact of rising prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rising energy and other prices have been driving up the cost of living since Covid-19 began receding this year. However, the KBC index says that cost-of-living pressures vary widely across different groups of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Hughes noted that people on \u201clower incomes or reporting difficulties in making ends meet\u201d are more likely to say their living costs are rising rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, he added that better paid people or those making ends meet with ease are more likely to say their living costs were flat or falling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KBC\u2019s monthly survey found that 42 per cent of Irish people believe their living costs have increased by 5 per cent or more over the last 12 months. – Reuters<\/strong><\/p>\n

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