Consumer confidence at highest since 2006

New research shows consumer confidence reached a six-year peak in September, returning to its highest levels since the financial crisis.

The figures come from the latest consumer market monitor, for the third quarter of 2013. The report show consumer confidence at its highest point since 2006.

Research carried out by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and the Marketing Institute of Ireland shows that consumer confidence was up 5 points in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year.

The news comes as a range of recent indicators point to a modest economic recovery.

Professor Mary Lambkin, one of the authors of the report, said there is evidence of more consumer spending.

"It's also evident in tings like people eating out and leisure activities. Commentators on that are seeing there's a bit of a lift in that kind of business," she said.

"There are many different dimensions, and all these things are indicators of a pick-up in spending."

The consumer market monitor uses a model of consumer behaviour which looks at economic variables like income, taxes, interest rates and exchange rates to explain how consumer confidence is influenced.