Consumer Sentiment Index
The Survey of Consumer Sentiments, initiated in January 1987, is a series of surveys conducted quarterly on a sample of over 1200 households in Peninsular Malaysia to gauge consumer spending trends and sentiments. Consumer behaviour reflects income level and general economic conditions. Together with the business conditions survey, findings of this survey relating to consumer spending are incorporated into MIER's short-term economic outlook report.
Repondents are asked about perceptions on their household's current and expected financial positions and their employment outlook. The survey also seeks to uncover general economic conditions such as inflation as seen from the consumers' perspective. Questions relating to their plans to buy houses, new or used cars and other major consumer durable are also asked. A quarterly Index of Consumer Sentiments is generated from the survey.
SLIGHTLY DOWN BUT STILL HOPEFUL
- CSI slips marginally to 107.9 points
- Present and near-term finances stable but ebbing somewhat
- Labour market outlook modest
- Inflationary trepidation grows
- Spending plans to go on with prudence and selectivity
CALMING DOWN
- CSI tumbles 9 points q-o-q to 108.2 points
- Less bounce in current and expected finances
- Employment expectations flat g
- Apprehension over rising prices continues
- Consumers reining in spending plans
YEAR END CHEER!
- CSI inches higher to 117,2 points
- Current incomes improve
- Financial and job expectations encouraging
- Inflationary fears step up
- Consumers all geared up to go shopping soon
CONFIDENTLY BUT PRUDENTLY
- CSI surges to a 2 1/2 year high of 115.8 points
- Present incomes firm
- Job and income outlook turning a corner
- Inflationary jitters ebbing somewhat
- Spending plans to sit out next quarter
WITH CIRCUMSPECTION
- CSI falls 3.8 points q-o-q to 110.4 points
- Current and expected incomes firm but waning
- Employment outlook moderating
- Mounting concerns over inflation
- Spending plans take a backseat
OFF TO A GOOD START
- CSI climbs for third consecutive quarter to 114.2 points
- Current and expected finances gain more ground
- Job prospects looking up
- Growing jitters over inflation
- Spending plans take a breather
GROWING OPTIMISM
- CSI climbs to 109.6 points
- Current finances in better shape
- Financial and job outlook looking up
- Nagging concerns over inflation
- More bounce in shopping plans
ON THEIR GUARD
- CSI settles at 105.4, led by employment outlook
- Current and expected incomes steady
- Better labour market conditions expected
- Inflationary jitters grow
- Spending plans are on again
BRACING FOR BETTER TIMES
- CSI surges 26.9 points q-o-q and 35.3 points y-o-y
- Current and expected finances shape up
- Job expectations favourable
- Inflationary anxieties grow
- Spending plans are on again s
RE-RECESSION BLUES?
- CSI up 7.5 points q-o-q, but down 36.5 points y-o-y
- Households' current income deteriorates
- Financial and job outlook tame
- Inflationary jitters subside
- Consumers reigning in spending plans