Consumer sentiment in Ireland was mostly steady last month, with increased caution about the outlook for household finances offsetting a slightly more positive view of prospects for the economy here.
The April KBC/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index also indicated "a mood of cautious optimism" still prevails, but added there is a strong sense of an upswing that is being "earned or even endured rather than enjoyed".
The index stood at 102 in April, which was effectively unchanged from the March reading of 101.9.
KBC said the index has consolidated in recent months, having recovered from a notably weaker performance during the second part of 2016.
A notable feature of the latest survey is the extent to which consumers are struggling to make sense of the uncertain economic outlook and continuing pressures on finances.
The research added that the most important characteristic of Irish consumer confidence at present is caution.
Commenting on the results, Chief Economist with KBC Austin Hughes said: "The effectively unchanged April reading for April suggests that the typical Irish consumer is still trying to navigate a very uncertain economic environment as well as dealing with widespread constraints on their household spending power.
"While there is a sense that things may be getting better, the improvement is still uneven and modest. As a result, the most notable feature is the extent to which confidence is tempered by caution," he said.
"The April survey suggests that 'macro' concerns eased as the immediate fallout from Brexit and Trump related concerns has been less than expected.
"However, with only one in four consumers reporting an improvement in their household finances, the scope for any substantial 'feel-good' driven pick-up in consumer spending appears limited," he added.
