Confidence rises, but Munster consumers least financially secure

CONSUMERS now believe the worst of the economic crisis is over, according to a new report. However, those living in Munster remain the least financially secure on a regional basis.

The latest quarterly financial confidence index from financial services giant, Standard Life – covering the last three months of 2009 – has shown an increase for the first time in 21 months; by 2% to 54.6 from the preceding quarter.

According to Brendan Barr, head of marketing at Standard Life Ireland: “This is the first increase in nearly two years and hopefully increased confidence signals a positive impact for the real economy.