Gradual easing of the lockdown restrictions led to a slight rise in consumer confidence in the second quarter of 2020
Consumer confidence in Northern Ireland increased slightly in the second quarter of 2020 as the lockdown restrictions began to be eased, but confidence levels remained well below where they were at the same time last year.
The Danske Bank Northern Ireland Consumer Confidence Index increased to 122 in 2020 Q2, up from 119 in the first quarter of the year but still significantly below the reading of 136 posted in the second quarter of 2019.
The survey was carried out during June when the lockdown restrictions, put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, had started to be gradually eased.
Compared with the first quarter of the year people felt more confident about their future financial position, their job security and the amount they expect to spend on expensive items, but less confident about their current finances. When compared with the second quarter of last year, confidence was lower with regards to all four areas.
