Consumer sentiment improves marginally in August but cost-of-living concerns rise 

Irish League of Credit Unions index shows consumer sentiment index reached 61.1 during August, up from the 59.1 figure reported for July

The survey found found two thirds of Irish consumers are spending more on groceries than a year ago while 61% said they are spending more on household bills with the vast majority of both of these groups citing higher prices. Stock picture

Consumer sentiment increased marginally during August as the EU-US trade deal brought a level of certainty to the economic outlook but concerns over higher grocery prices and household bills continue to mount, the latest Credit Union consumer sentiment survey shows.

The survey, conducted for the Irish League of Credit Unions by Core Research, showed a consumer sentiment index reading of 61.1 during August, up from the 59.1 figure reported for July.