Consumer confidence worsens in Taiwan: survey

TAIPEI, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Most indicators on consumer confidence in Taiwan point to a pessimistic outlook over the next six months, according to the results of a monthly survey released by the Research Center for Taiwan Economic Development on Wednesday.

As a whole, the Consumer confidence Index dropped by 0.33 points to 84.36 points in the latest survey, compared with the last one conducted in February.

Five of the six major sub-indicators of the Consumer confidence Index, measured in terms of consumer prices, the timing of investment in stock market, domestic economic outlook, household economic conditions, and the timing to buy durable goods, remained below 100 points, falling within the pessimistic range (0-100 points).

Only the sub-reading for the employment opportunities in the coming six months, at 100.65 points, indicated an optimistic outlook, according to the survey that interviewed 2,698 people aged 20 or above in Taiwan between March 19 and 23, on how they think the economy will perform over the next six months.

A reading between 100 and 200 points suggests optimism while an index below 100 points indicates pessimism.