Consumer confidence makes a leap

The consumer confidence index posted a spectacular recovery in Greece in the first quarter of the year, according to a survey conducted by Nielsen in 60 countries. Compared with the last quarter of 2013, the index has risen by as many as eight points to reach 53, which is the highest reading of the last four years.

The rise of the index, says Nielsen Greece Managing Director Vicky Grigoriadou, “likely reflects the optimism of consumers deriving from two facts: The emergence of a primary budget surplus beyond expectations that allows the government to offer a benefit to the social groups worst hit by the crisis, and the return of Greece to the international bond markets for the first time after four years.”

Despite the rise in confidence, job security remains the top concern for 52 percent of respondents.