Consumer confidence improves in Q2 but remains below benchmark

[Photo: Lynzy Valles]

Consumer confidence in Macau showed a modest recovery in the second quarter, but sentiment remained subdued as the latest Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) stayed below the benchmark level, according to a survey released by the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST).

According to the report, the overall CCI rose 1.25% (1.21 points) quarter-on-quarter to 97.99 points. Under the survey methodology, a score below 100 points indicates insufficient confidence among surveyed consumers.

The Q2 survey was based on 832 interviews with local residents aged 18 or older, conducted between June 1 and 15.

The results show some recovery in confidence, with the price level, employment, and living standards recording the largest gains.

On the other hand, confidence in the local economy, stock investments, and home purchases remained mostly stable, with only marginal gains.

Compared with the previous quarter, all six sub-indices increased, with the Price Level sub-index recording the largest increase, rising 2.52% to 89.49 points. Similarly, the Employment sub-index increased 2.51% to 91.87 points.

Notably, the Price Level sub-index continues to be the lowest-scoring category among all six criteria surveyed.

Among the three sub-indices recording the most significant changes was Living Standards, which climbed 2.3% to 97.99 points.

Overall, the sub-index that recorded the highest confidence level was Stock Investments, which, despite remaining largely stable with a 0.1% increase, recorded the highest overall score at 110.68 points.

The only other sub-index to score above the red line was Home Purchases, which increased slightly by 0.03% to 106.27 points.

According to the organizers, the CCI measures consumers’ perceptions of current and future economic conditions and serves as a leading indicator of economic performance and consumption trends.

The index reflects and quantifies consumers’ views on the strength or weakness of the current economic situation, as well as their perceptions of the current and future macroeconomic environment, employment conditions, price levels, living standards, home purchases, and stock investments.