The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has published the latest Consumer Sentiment Index for January 2009.
The overall Consumer Sentiment Index weakened to 49.6 in January. This compares to a figure of 50.2 in December, and to an all time low of 39.6 in July 2008. The 50 mark separates growth from contraction.
The report claims that retailers in the January sales created a strong buying climate but most Irish consumers remain deeply fearful about economic prospects in 2009, with 85 per cent of those surveyed expecting a further deterioration.