Confidence and availability of credit sees recovery in consumer spending

Increasing consumer confidence and a greater availability of credit are contributing to the tentative recovery of consumer spending, according to figures released yesterday.

The Consumer Market Monitor, compiled by the Marketing Institute of Ireland and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, shows that consumer confidence is on the rise and has increased significantly over the past year.

The positive changes in consumer sentiment and subsequent spending increases were seen most clearly in a boost to car and retail sales.