Hope for an financial improvement

The economic crisis has been clearly visible in Poles’ moods since the start of 2009. The CCI has not exceeded 90 points since January. A big rise in worries about the state of the economy as well as one’s own financial situation was observed in particular in February and March. However, since August Poles have displayed a more optimistic outlook, especially in regard to their own financial condition and in ratings for the present related to making major purchases. In this context the weakening of moods in the last month should be described as insignificant, rather expressing a stabilising of Poles’ expectations and assessments.

Poles expect relatively more often that the country’s economic situation in 2010 will deteriorate (expected by 32% of Poles, compared to only 13% expecting improvement). In addition, 42% anticipate growth in unemployment figures next year, while only 8% believe they will fall. The biggest pessimists are older consumers, those with a poor level of education, and farmers. Optimists on the other hand are most common among those with higher education and upper managerial staff.

Over the past year Poles’ financial situation has worsened (29%) more often than it has improved (9%). However, their expectations for next year are that their financial condition will be better (19%) or at least the same as this year (66%). Only 15% of Poles expect their financial situation to worsen in 2010.

Poles are not afraid of price rises in 2010: 23% expect prices to rise slower than this year or even fall, while only 15% expect prices to rise faster than they have been rising.

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The CCI Consumer Confidence Index can take a value of from 0 to 200 points. The latest survey is based on the findings of a survey conducted between 3 and 10 December 2009 on a representative random-quota sample of 1009 Poles aged 15 and above.