An index which measures how consumers feel about the economic outlook has risen for the second month in a row.
The consumer sentiment index, compiled by IIB Bank and the ESRI, rose to 45 in September from 43.4 in August. It had hit a record low in July.
The ESRI's David Duffy said the rise was mainly due to a pick-up in consumers' expectations for the next 12 months, but he said the improvement was 'tentative' and people were still concerned about current economic conditions.
IIB economist Austin Hughes called the rise 'marginal', pointing out that the survey had been taken before the most recent bout of turmoil in financial markets. He said the less gloomy outlook for household finances probably owed a good deal to a sharp fall in oil prices.
The economist said consumers may have also responded positively to the Government's move to bring forward the Budget and measures taken by the US government, though it was too early to reach any definitive judgement.
