Consumer sentiment stays steady despite tax concerns

Irish consumer sentiment held steady last month despite continuing uncertainty arising from the impact of global taxation changes on the economy.

The KBC Bank Ireland consumer sentiment index stood at 86.4 for September, effectively unchanged from the August reading of 86.5 and broadly in line with the two-year high for the index of of 87.2 in June.

The September period saw an increased focus on the possible fallout for Ireland from global tax harmonisation, as well as a number of domestic commentaries raising concerns around fiscal sustainability.

Concerns around the coronavirus pandemic also remain with 47 per cent of consumers surveyed envisaging lasting impacts on their financial circumstances from the Covid crisis.