Malaysia consumer confidence rebounds

NIELSEN  CONSUMER CONFIDENCE 

Malaysia - Online consumer confidence in Malaysia rebounded six points to an index of 107 in Q1 of 2012, due in part to optimism towards local job prospects and personal finances, according to the latest global online consumer confidence findings from Nielsen.

The Nielsen Global Online Consumer Confidence Survey tracks consumer confidence, major concerns and spending intentions among more than 28,000 Internet consumers in 56 countries. Consumer confidence levels above and below a baseline of 100 indicate degrees of optimism and pessimism.

Malaysia ranked seventh (along with Thailand) among the 56 countries surveyed in terms of confidence level. Malaysia was at tenth position last quarter.

The fast moving consumer goods market in Malaysia grew 3.5% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year," said Joan Koh, Joan Koh, managing director of Nielsen Malaysia and Singapore. "The first quarter is always impacted by the seasonal festive push-and-pull factor such as Chinese New Year."

Almost one quarter (23%) of online consumers still consider the state of the economy as their biggest concern compared to the last quarter of 2011, while concern over job security (16%) remained the second biggest concern. Debt resurfaced at the third position (11%) surpassing worries about increasing food prices.

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