Canadians are feeling better about the state of the economy, and are some of the most optimistic globally, according to Nielsen’s Global Consumer Confidence Survey.  Confidence in Canada rose 6 points – above the global average and well above confidence levels in the U.S. (where confidence continues to be flat).  This renewed feeling of confidence seems well placed in light of a recent report from the Bank of Canada, released after Nielsen’s survey, which declared that the recession has ended in the country. 
“After nearly two years of downward trending, we …

Consumers around the world are becoming more optimistic that economic recovery is starting to take root according to the recently released Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Survey, and Chinese consumers in particular are feeling good about their prospects.  Consumer confidence there increased 6 points from the March survey, and China jumped from tenth to sixth place in the global rankings behind Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Brazil and Australia.

Chinese consumer confidence is higher in the East and North regions of the country versus the South and the West, and consumers in smaller …

According to the latest Nielsen Global Confidence Survey conducted in the second half of June, Australians are seeing encouraging signs of economic recovery with strong consumer confidence levels and optimism about the state of their finances and willingness to spend over the next 12 months.
Australia ranked fifth of the 28 markets Nielsen measures, just behind fast-growing developing countries Indonesia, India, the Philippines and Brazil, and well ahead of other developed nations.
Forty-four percent of Aussies believe “now is a good/excellent time to buy the things they want,” second highest of all …

First signs of how consumers will behave post recession.
Restraint will be the new mantra among consumers, according to the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Survey. But, that doesn’t mean they won’t start spending again in the near future.
Respondents to the poll conducted in April, across 50 countries making up 86 percent of the GDP, said they would continue to focus on fiscal responsibility. Yet, “they will allow themselves some of those little indulgences,” said James Russo, vice president, Global Consumer Insights. “Perhaps pent up demand will play itself out and they’ll …

Vietnam is experiencing its highest inflation in more than a decade, but consumer confidence in the country is still relatively high, according to Nielsen. 
The Vietnam News Agency Bulletin reported Wednesday that the country ranked ninth in Nielsen’s recent survey of global consumer confidence.
The same study showed that Vietnam’s inflation rate climbed to 26.8% in June — compared with a rate of 8.3% a year ago.
“Although inflationary pressure will directly impact consumer behaviour within some product and service categories, mid-to long-term prospects in Vietnam are still very encouraging,” Aaron Cross, Managing Director …