Consumers 'a little less anxious about finances but not too cheerful about year ahead' 

The recent reduction in energy prices — albeit from an incredibly high level — contributed to the fall in inflation but the rise in the cost of groceries remains high.

Christmas cheer is in short supply for Irish consumers this festive period, with a reduction in the cost of living on the majority of letters to Santa this year.

The latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index for December 2023 suggests that Irish consumers see a little more light but feel they are not yet out of the tunnel according to former KBC chief economist Austin Hughes.