‘Surprise’ gain in consumer mood

Consumers remain more upbeat about the economic outlook than their eurozone counterparts, but tomorrow’s budget may shake that confidence, a study has said.

November saw a “small and surprising” increase in consumer confidence levels, according to the latest monthly consumer sentiment index from KBC Bank (Ireland) and economic think-tank the ESRI.

The survey’s joint publishers said the better sentiment in Ireland mirrors growing confidence in the US and Britain, but is at odds with the gloomier feeling among consumers elsewhere in the eurozone. It may also hint that consumers are braced for this week’s budget,