• Asia Pacific nations make up six of the ten most confident countries globally
• Majority of Asia Pac countries posted a Consumer Confidence Index score at or above the 100 benchmark
Consumer confidence levels in Asia Pacific were unchanged in Q3 2012 versus the prior quarter, and up three index points compared to Q3 2011, according to the latest Consumer Confidence Index from Nielsen, global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy.
The Q3 2012 Nielsen study, conducted between 10 August and 7 September 2012, shows eight of the 14 Asia Pacific countries recorded a quarter-on-quarter increase in consumer confidence and posted an index score at or above the 100 benchmark. Six out of the top ten most confident countries globally hail from Asia Pacific in Q3 2012, making Asia Pacific the most confident region globally.
The Philippines and Indonesia recorded the highest year-on-year gains (up six and five points respectively in Q3 2012 compared to Q3 2011) and ranked in the top three most optimistic countries globally alongside India. Saving intentions remained a priority among Asia Pacific respondents; nearly two thirds (64%) were directing their spare cash to savings, up four percentage points compared to Q2 2012, while three in 10 used their spare cash to invest in stocks and mutual funds and 14% funneled their excess cash into retirement funds, an increase of 11% in Q2 2012. Close to three quarters of Asia Pacific respondents (72%) indicated they had adjusted their spending habits in the past year in an effort to save on household expenditure, up from 67% in Q2 2012. A cut back in spending was reported across discretionary and non-discretionary expenses as many respondents said they now spend less on new clothes (50%) and out-of-home entertainment (43%).
According to Nielsen’s survey, recessionary sentiment increased seven percentage points in Asia Pacific to 52% – up from 45% in the previous quarter and 50% in Q3 2011. Of those consumers who felt their country was in a recession, over a quarter (29%) believed the recession would continue for another year.
