NZ consumer confidence lifts in third quarter; rural, low-income households are least cheery

NZ consumer confidence lifts in third quarter; rural, low-income households are least cheery
Sophie Boot
By Sophie Boot Sept. 19 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand consumer confidence picked up in the third quarter, while staying below its long-run average, as Kiwis, particularly in rural communities, remain nervous about the economy's trajectory. The Westpac McDermott Miller consumer confidence index rose 2 points to 108 in the September quarter, below the long-run average of 111.5. A reading above 100 indicates optimists outnumber pessimists. The present conditions index fell 0.8 points to 109.2, while the expected conditions index gained 3.9 po...