Surprise as consumer sentiment index rises

CONSUMERS were a lot more confident last month with experts saying they were looking for a fresh start with the new Government.

The latest KBC/ESRI consumer sentiment index rose in March to 59.5, compared to 50.3 in February and 61.9 in March last year. It is above the all-time low in July 2008 of 39.6.

KBC economist Austin Hughes said the rise in March is surprising given the rising living costs and the threat of higher interest rates that emerged during the survey period.