Singapore’s consumer confidence index dipped to 97pts in Q413

Here's how its Asian peers fared.

Southeast Asian consumers lead the world with a strong sense of cautious optimism, with confidence in the region continuing to rank among the highest globally in Q4 2013, according to the latest Consumer Confidence Index released by Nielsen, a global information and measurement company.

According to the Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions, Indonesia
maintained the top spot on the global Consumer Confidence Index and increased four points in the latest
quarter to 124, which was 30 points above the average global score of 94.

Philippines and Thailand also remained among the top 10 most optimistic nations globally with Consumer Confidence Index scores of 114 (down 4 points) and 109 (down 3 points) respectively. Malaysia and Vietnam both recorded a score of 98 while Singapore’s Consumer Confidence Index was 97, a tad lower from last quarter's report.

The Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions, established in 2005, measures
consumer confidence, major concerns, and spending intentions amongst more than 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 fact that Southeast Asian consumers continue to be so optimistic about their personal financial situations and their nations’ economies in comparison to other nations around the world reflects rising affluence in the region, the continued growth of middle class populations, and a strong economic outlook,” noted Matt Krepsik, Executive Director of Nielsen’s Marketing Effectiveness business in Southeast Asia, North Asia and Pacific.

“Rising foreign investment and income levels continue to be central to the economic theme playing out
across Southeast Asia and consumers remain buoyant as they reap the benefits of the economic boon the
region is experiencing.”