Romanian consumers didn't show the same confidence in 2018 as in 2017, a GfK study based on data collected in December 2018 concluded.

Romanians have become reluctant on the back of the money market tensions (ROBOR growth) and the uncertain economic situation. Therefore, the Climate Consumption indicator measured by GfK is still negative, remaining in the pessimism area (-20.7).

Pessimistic forecasts in most chapters determine the low confidence of Romanian consumers. Only 11% believe in a positive evolution of the economy. However, the Romanians look a little more optimistic when it comes to expectations about their finances. Nearly a quarter trust that their finances will look better, compared to 19% a year earlier.

Even though the FMCG and electro-IT markets increased in 2018, the consumers are reluctant to buy durable goods in the future. For 2019, 4 out of 10 Romanians (42%) say they will decrease their budget for purchases such as furniture, washing machines, etc., almost as many as those who say they will maintain unchanged their budget for such purchases ( 41%). Only 10% of Romanians have expressed their intention to invest more than before.

editor@romania-insider.com

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