Consumer survey 

Updated: 27.3.2018 - Next update: 27.4.2018
   
 
 
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Consumers have strong confidence in the economy and a good financial situation

The consumer confidence indicator (CCI) stood at 24.7 in March, while it was 25.8 in February. The figures are the highest in the measuring history of 30 years. In last years March, the CCI received the value 22.9. The long-term average for the CCI is 12.4. The data are based on Statistics Finlands Consumer Survey, for which 1,165 people resident in Finland were interviewed between 1 and 16 March.

Of the components of the CCI, expectations concerning consumers own economy and Finland's economy and unemployment weakened slightly in March compared with February. In contrast, consumers' estimates of their household's saving possibilities improved. Compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, confidence in the decrease of unemployment strengthened and views on their own economy weakened somewhat. The other CCI components remained unchanged in the year.

In March, consumers expectations concerning Finland's economy, development of unemployment and their own saving possibilities were very bright. Consumers assessments about their own economic situation in general were also good.

Consumers considered their households financial situation better than ever. The time was regarded very favourable for saving, slightly also for taking out a loan and buying durable goods. Employed consumers felt in March that their personal threat of unemployment has decreased significantly in recent times.

Statistical release

Source:
Statistics Finland / Consumer survey

Description of indicator

The Consumer Survey is a telephone interview survey by means of which it is possible to measure Finns’ images of the general economic development and the financial situation of one's own household and intentions to make major purchases, save money or take out a loan.

The consumer confidence indicator is the average of the balance figures for the CCI components. The balance figures and the confidence indicator can range between -100 and +100 – the higher (positive) balance figure, the brighter the view on the economy.