MANILA – October 31, 2013 – With 118 index points, the Philippines continues to rate among the highest in the world in terms of consumer confidence in the third quarter of 2013, second only to Indonesia.
According to Nielsen’s Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions, consumer confidence in the third quarter of 2013 increased in 57 percent of global markets measured, compared to 45 percent in the second quarter of 2013.
The Nielsen survey measured consumer confdence, major concerns, and spending intentions among over 30,000 respondents with internet access in 60 countries. Consumer confidence levels above and below a baseline of 100 indicate degrees of optimism and pessimism.
The survey revealed that when it comes to job prospects, Filipinos continue to show a positive attitude.
"While the outlook for job prospects declined in half of the Asia-Pacific markets measured, Filipino survey respondents continue to indicate positive attitude on local job prospects registering the highest optimism in the world (79 percent), a two-point increase from last quarter," Nielsen said.
Even with a two-point decrease from the previous quarter, Filipinos also showed a positive outlook on the state of their personal finances, ranking as second most positive with 77 percent.
Filipino respondents also displayed an openness to spending.
"When asked on their perception of good/ bad time to buy the things they want and need over the next 12 months, Filipino respondents were among the top 10 respondents who feel optimistic at 49 percent," Nielsen said.
After spending on essential living expenses, 32 percent of Filipino online respondents would spend on new clothes, 29 percent buy gadgets and technology products, 28 percent pay off debts, and 25 percent spend on holidays and vacations.
24 percent of Filipino respondents also invest in stocks and mutual funds.
Saving for the future is seen as a growing trend globally, with 52 percent of global respondents saying they put their spare cash into savings, and 25 percent investing in stocks and mutual funds.
