Business / Economy

Consumers more confident than a year ago

17:17 pm on 18 March 2016

Consumer confidence is ticking along at near average levels, with consumers in the main centres more confident than those in the regions.

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The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index fell slightly in March to 118 points, compared with 119.7 points last month.

A reading over 100 indicates optimism.

ANZ chief economist Cameron Bagrie said the latest result wasn't strong by historic standards, but the pace of growth would be the envy of many other countries.

Consumers were feeling better off than a year ago and expected to be better off in 12 months.

A net 34 percent believed it was a good time to buy a major household item, which was down 6 points from February, but Mr Bagrie said that was still strong.