0.0 on previous index reading
The Consumer Pulse stood at 81.0 in September 2021, unchanged from August but 28.2 higher than a year ago. With the domestic recovery continuing, households upgraded their assessment of the current economic situation again this month. They were more circumspect about the outlook for the economy and their own pockets though, possibly reflecting some wariness in the run up to Budget 2022 and the phasing out of pandemic-related supports. Buying sentiment was softer this month too as rising prices squeeze purchasing power – some 28% considered it a good time to buy big ticket items, down from almost a third during the summer.
