+5.0 on previous index reading
At 76.7 in May 2021, the Consumer Pulse was up 5.0 on last month and 22.8 higher than a year ago. Households upgraded their assessment of the economy and prospects for jobs this month as the easing of restrictions continued. They were also more positive about their current finances and with the vaccine roll-out advancing, a third indicated that they expect to spend more on holidays this year compared with last year. This is a good bit higher than the pre-pandemic average (of a quarter or so) and points to pent up demand, some of which is set to be unlocked in the coming weeks as accommodation services and hospitality re-open.
