Recovering consumer sentiment in January helped by New Year optimism

Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey showed an index reading of 64.7 for January, an improvement on December but markedly lower than a year ago

Irish consumers may be detecting at least tentative signs of a slowdown in inflation and living costs, the survey said. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov/ © Rolling News.ie

Consumer sentiment recovered in January, with the Christmas period usually leading to a seasonal switch-off from economic news.

The latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey showed an index reading of 64.7 for January, an improvement on the 61.2 figure recorded in December but markedly lower than a reading of 74.9 one year ago.