NZ consumer confidence dips on back of reduced forecast dairy payout

NZ consumer confidence dips on back of reduced forecast dairy payout
By Fiona Rotherham Dec. 22 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand consumer confidence fell in the fourth quarter, particularly in rural and provincial areas as prospects for a low dairy payout take their toll despite falling petrol prices and lower mortgage rates. The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index fell to 114.8 in the December quarter, from 116.7 three months earlier, its lowest level in over a year and a gradual slide from the peak of 121.7 recorded in March. A reading above 100 indicates more optimists than pessimists. The...