Consumers still in buoyant mood

IRISH consumers have remained in cheerful mood over the new year period with the latest IIB Bank/ESRI consumer sentiment index showing a fourth consecutive monthly increase in January.

The index rose to 106.2 in January, up from 98.2 in December itself a good month in terms of consumer outlook.

Christmas sales, a strong property market and a high number of car sales combined to trigger a significant improvement in the buying climate.