Consumer Sentiment Index rises again

ESRI figures show that the Irish consumer sentiment improved again last month.

The Consumer Sentiment Index had dipped slightly to 82 in February, but stood at 84.2 for the month of March.

It is the seventh time in eight months that the Irish index has shown improvement.

The corresponding CSI figure for March 2002 was 62.8.

The majority of the research was collected before the Madrid bombings on March 11, so it is not yet possible to guage the attack's effect on consumer sentiment.

The Index of Consumer Expectations - based on how consumers view prospects over the next 12 months - also rose to 80.7 for March, compared with 77.2 in February.