Asia-Pacific was the only region in the world that moved up the consumer confidence index during the last quarter of 2013, with an increase of four percentage points year-on-year, according to Nielsen.
Compared to the third quarter of 2013, consumer confidence in the fourth quarter declined three index points in North America, two points in Middle East/Africa and one point in Europe, while confidence remained flat in Latin America. Globally, consumer confidence has been steady for the last three consecutive quarters.
Indonesia reported the highest consumer confidence index for the fourth consecutive quarter, increasing four index points compared to Q3. Consumer confidence actually increased in six of 14 countries, with a quarterly increase of six percentage points in Japan, which posted its highest index since 2005. China also increased one index point in the fourth quarter.
All confidence indicators also posted gains in Asia-Pacific in the fourth quarter, albeit marginally. The study noted a 2-percentage point increase for job prospects (62 percent), a 1-percentage point increase for personal finances (62%) and a 3-percentage point rise for spending perceptions over the next 12 months (43%).
“In Japan, the boost in optimism follows positive developments during 2013, which include a weaker yen that contributed to the recovery of exports and a rise in the Nikkei stock average,” said Toshihiro Fukutoku, managing director, Nielsen Japan. “In anticipation of the April 2014 sales tax hike, Japanese consumers have been spending more, but caution prevails for the second half of the year.”
Nielsen also cited India for reversing the downward confidence trend of the last three quarters by increasing three index points in Q4.