Drop in dollar value affects consumer expectations for the future

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SANTIAGO.-  The Consumer Perception Index (IpeCo), calculated monthly by the Company and Business Research Center (CIEN) of the Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD) along with Mall Plaza, has risen from 117.5 points (reported in January) to 127.1 points in February.  The figure also indicated an increase of 5.3 points when compared to this time last year.

The increase can be principally explained by the Contextual (Conyuntural) index, which showed a rise of 16.1 points when compared to the previous figure.  The indicator’s strong surge can be largely attributed to consumer perceptions regarding the current economic situation.

During the most recent study, 41.1% of consumers indicated that the economic situation is better, compared to 33.7% who said the same in January.  With respect to unemployment, the results were also optimistic compared to the previous month.  The number of consumers who said that there is currently more unemployment than a year ago fell from 27.5% in January to 24% in the February results.