Consumers ready to spend over Christmas and New Year [Video]

Consumers are more upbeat about their money and are all set to spend over the festive period and New Year, a study shows, writes Sarah Slater.

It appears Santa may be a little more giving as fears ease around household finances despite increased concerns about the economic outlook.

Shoppers’ buying plans have improved for the fourth month in a row, suggesting an improving trend in consumer spending, the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index study, along with Core Research, found.

The survey found that those on higher incomes are more positive about the economy while those who are struggling are comparatively negative.

Just under half of Irish consumers think the economy is better than in their parents’ time, but one in three thinks it is worse.

Consumer opinion is evenly divided on how the economy is faring with 30% believing it is better compared to other economies, 31% thinking it is worse, and 36% saying it is …