Consumer confidence in Pakistan at all-time high

Index level for July-September increases to 111, suggesting optimism about economy

KARACHI: Pakistan’s consumer confidence has reached an all-time high of 111, up by nine points in the third quarter (July-September) of 2017, from 102 points in the previous quarter (April-June), according to the Nielsen Global Survey of consumer confidence and spending intentions.

“The nine-point increase in Pakistan’s consumer confidence score depicts an improving outlook for the country,” Nielsen Pakistan Managing Director Quratulain Ibrahim was quoted as saying in the press release.



“Since Nielsen launched the survey, this has been the highest number reached to date, which can be attributed to several reasons such as the growth in the agricultural sector, controlled inflation, strengthened power supply and most importantly, the uplift in the job market. Pakistan is flourishing and is rated as one of the top growth markets in the Middle East & Africa region.” The survey data highlights a positive perception of job outlook, increasing from 47% in the second quarter to 57% in the third.

Although there has been a one percentage point dip in job security being the biggest concern over the next six months, it still remains the top concern amongst 21% of Pakistani consumers. Consumers are spending more on vacations and technology in third quarter, suggesting that they have more disposable cash.

Regionally, there has been a one-point increase in the index level. Africa / Middle East has also witnessed a one percentage point increase in the job prospects (38%), with no change in the state of respondent’s personal finances. Spending intentions increased one percentage point to 34%.

Four out of six Africa / Middle East markets showed consumer confidence gains. Pakistan’s consumer confidence rose the most, by nine points (which stands at 111). United Arab Emirates (112), South Africa (83) and Egypt (81) were amongst the other countries showing an increase in consumer confidence index.



Conversely, consumer confidence fell in Morocco (72) and Saudi Arabia (93), declining by five points in both countries.

Established in 2005, the Nielsen Consumer Confidence Index is fielded quarterly in 63 countries to measure the perceptions of local job prospects, personal finances, immediate spending intentions and related economic issues of real consumers around the world. Consumer confidence levels above and below a baseline of 100 indicate degrees of optimism and pessimism, respectively. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2018.

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