China survey shows consumers pessimistic for first time

[BANGKOK] China's eternally optimistic consumers have turned pessimistic, joining bankers and entrepreneurs.

An index of "future income confidence" based on a quarterly survey of consumers by the central bank fell below the mid-point of 50 for the first time ever in December.

A separate sentiment gauge for entrepreneurs by the the People's Bank of China fell into pessimistic territory for the first time since 2009, and now is at a record low, while a survey of bankers shows they've been getting more pessimistic for five straight quarters.

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