Austin Hughes: Split between consumers who are comfortable and those barely clinging on

While the picture painted by Irish consumer sentiment survey is one of a cautious consumer at present, arguably a more important message is a tale of three consumers

Austin Hughes: 'Pressure on family finances is still a major issue for many, if not most, consumers.'

It’s no longer the worst of times but it’s still far from the best of times for Irish consumers: That’s the clear message from the latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey.

are no longer soaring but neither are they collapsing. The latest official figures show the average price of energy, both motor fuels and light and heating bills, paid by Irish households was 57% higher in February 2024 than three years earlier.