Indonesian consumers optimistic about the next six months: central bank survey

[JAKARTA] Indonesian consumers were pessimistic in October, but just a little bit less pessimistic than a month earlier, a Bank Indonesia survey showed on Tuesday, and they were optimisitic about the next six months.

The central bank's consumer confidence index rose to 99.3 in October from 97.5 in September, which was the lowest since February 2009.

A reading above 100 indicates consumers are optimistic.

However consumers expected economic conditions to improve in the next six months with new jobs, heightened business activity and income.

The survey also showed expectations of easing price pressures over the next six months, reflecting optimism over the strengthening of the rupiah as well as availability and better distribution of goods.

The annual inflation rate in October cooled to 6.25 per cent from 6.83 per cent in September.

REUTERS