NZ consumer optimism slips on gloomier view of economy

NZ consumer optimism slips on gloomier view of economy
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth March 21 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand consumer confidence dipped in the first three months of the year as Kiwis became gloomier about the economic outlook, even as they remained reasonably happy about the state of their own finances.  The Westpac McDermott Miller consumer confidence index fell 1 point to 109.6 in the March quarter, tracking below the long-run average of 111.5. A reading above 100 indicates optimists outnumber pessimists. The present conditions index increased 0.2 of a point to 111.7 while the expected condi...