consumer confidence report

World Facts

Global Consumer Confidence Report
May 29, 2006

The ACNielsen Online Consumer Confidence Survey, the largest twice-annual global survey of its kind, gauges consumers’ current confidence levels, spending habits and current major concerns.

The most recent survey occurred in November, 2005, a poll that included over 23, 500 consumers in 42 markets, including Europe, North and Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

Overall, the year 2005 saw an increase in consumer confidence - particularly in the areas of job security and personal finances. In North America, 68% of respondents look forward to “good and excellent’ job prospects over the next 12 months (as compared to 54% in May of 2005). Likewise, North Americans now think it is a good time to buy things they both want and need, an atitude which suggests increased expectations of personal wealth.

Consumer confidence in Europe is improving, with Norway and Denmark being the two most confident nations in the European Union. Perceptions of job prospects have also substantially improved in Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Spain.

Perceptions of local job prospects over next 12 months:

	Europe	Latin America	Asia-Pacific	North America	Global Average
Excellent	5%	2%	9%	10%	7%
Good	42%	51%	50%	58%	46%
Not so Good	42%	40%	36%	29%	39%
Bad	10%	6%	5%	2%	8%

Perceptions of local job prospects over next 12 months: Top 10 Optimistic

	IND	NZ	NOR	MAL	IRE	CAN	UAE	DEN	HK	AUS
Excellent	34%	19%	16%	18%	19%	13%	21%	12%	2%	13%
Good	58%	65%	68%	65%	61%	64%	56%	65%	74%	62%

Consumers in Asia-Pacific continue to “ride a wave” of economic development, with their confidence increasing in nine out of 13 markets. Consumers in India remain at the top of the global list with a confidence index at 132 points – nine points ahead of the world’s second most optimistic nation – New Zealand. The number of respondents in India who think job prospects in the country are excellent increased to 34%.

Perceptions of state of personal finances over the next 12 months: Top 10 Optimistic

	IND	NZ	DEN	NOR	ARG	AUS	SA	MAL	CAN	UAE
Excellent	13%	11%	7%	13%	6%	8%	10%	7%	5%	8%
Good	75%	68%	71%	61%	69%	66%	62%	64%	65%	61%

Despite the increase in consumer confidence, and the number of people who believe in a positive, financial future for themselves over the next year (driven mostly by Europe and North America), people are still cautious about spending money. Globally, 59% of consumers share positive financial expectations, while 61% say they would rather not spend money. Finally, more people around the world prefer to put their spare money into savings – 40% in the November survey as opposed to 30% in the May survey.

The next survey of this kind occurs in May, 2006, and will indicate whether the trend in consumer confidence continues to increase throughout the year.

The 42 Markets in the Online Consumer Confidence Survey are:

Asia Pacific: Australia; China; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Japan; South Korea; Malaysia; New Zealand; Philippines; Singapore; Taiwan; Thailand

Europe: Austria; Belgium; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Netherlands; Norway; Portugal; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Turkey; UK

Latin America: Argentina; Brazil; Chile; Mexico

North America: USA; Canada

Emerging Markets: Poland; Russia; South Africa; Hungary; United Arab Emirates; Czech Republic

For further information, please visit: http://www.acnielsen.com

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