Consumer sentiment has risen slightly in April, according to a survey by KBC Bank Ireland and the ESRI, though it remains below its January peak.
The overall sentiment index stood at 98.7 in the month, according to the survey, up 0.9 on the March figure.
This marks the second monthly increase in a row, following a sharp fall from the 101.1 figure recorded in January.
The April figure is also well up year-on-year – coming in 11.5 points higher than in the same month of 2014.
Respondents reported an improvement in their personal financial situation over the past twelve months, as well as a more positive expectation of the year ahead.
The outlook for unemployment also improved strongly month-on-month, rising 5.9 points to 95.5.
However those surveyed reported a less positive outlook about the general economy, as well as a reduction in major purchases during the month.
“The details of the sentiment survey for April suggest... consumers are becoming a little more focussed on the prospect of an improvement in their personal finances in the next twelve months”, said KBC Bank’s chief economist Austin Hughes.
“At present, any expected gains are seen as relatively modest and this is reflected in what are still reasonably cautious spending plans.”
