BRUSSELS: Belgium’s consumer confidence index rose in January, as respondents became more upbeat about the Belgian economy and their employment prospects, the central bank said on Friday. The index rose to 4 points in January from 2 in the previous month. Jan 2018 Dec 2017 Jan 2017 Belgian economy 11 5 3 Unemployment -6 0 4 Household finances 0 0 -1 Ability to save -2 3 2 Overall index 4 2 0
The numbers represent Belgian consumers’ outlook for the next 12 months. For unemployment, a positive figure means the perception has deteriorated) The index is based on a monthly telephone survey of more than 1,000 consumers on their outlook for the country’s job and economic prospects as well as their own financial situation and ability to save money. The index is the balance of positive and negative replies, with a figure of zero meaning Belgians are evenly split on whether things will improve or worsen for consumers in the next year.
