WORLDWIDE WORRIES AND CONCERNS
The economy, job security and health were top concerns around the world, but many other worries were top of mind, too. In particular, terrorism fears gripped many in Europe, while crime and increasing food prices were prominent for many in Latin American markets. Work-life balance was on the minds of many in Asia-Pacific, and parents’ welfare and happiness was a central concern in Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Other findings include:
- India and Indonesia stood out as buoyant growth markets in Asia, while confidence declined in Hong Kong and Japan.
- U.S. consumer confidence showed resilience, but also a rise in intent to pay down debts.
Consumer confidence increased in 33% of the markets measured this quarter, compared with 43% that showed an increase in the fourth quarter of 2015. - Chile was the only country measured in the Latin American region with a slight rise in confidence in the first quarter, up one point to 80 from the previous quarter.
- Consumer confidence in all three sub-Saharan markets measured by Nielsen (Nigeria, Ghana & Kenya) were at high levels, but the latest results showed mixed trends.
, China (38%) and the Netherlands (58%) from the fourth quarter.){kind=link}