The Consumer Confidence Index (ICC) increased 0.4 points in December compared to November, in the seasonally adjusted series, to 90.2 points, reported Ibre/FGV (Brazilian Institute of Economics of Fundação Getulio Vargas).
The result represents the fourth consecutive increase, reaching the highest level since December 2024. In quarterly moving averages, the index advanced 0.9 points.
“Consumer confidence rose for the fourth month in a row, driven by improved expectations for the coming months, while the indicators that reflect the perception of the current situation declined. Among income groups, the increase in confidence was more significant among lower-income consumers”, assessed Anna Carolina Gouveia, economist at Ibre/FGV, in an official note.
In December, the Current Situation Index (ISA) fell 1.4 points, to 83.4 points, after two consecutive increases. The Expectations Index (IE) increased 1.4 points, to 95.2 points.
“In recent months, the evolution of the ICC has been driven mainly by expectations, while current situation indicators suggest a still challenging situation for families. Such results reflect a less pessimistic consumer, supported by a heated job market and greater purchasing power, while financial restrictions associated with high levels of debt and default continue to put pressure on the budget”, added Gouveia.
The perception of the local economy at the present time fell 1.7 points, to 94.1 points, while the assessment of families’ financial situation fell 1.0 points, to 73.1 points.
The expectation for the local economy in the coming months rose 3.6 points, to 108.3 points, and the outlook for the family’s future financial situation increased 0.1 point, to 93.0 points. Durable goods purchasing momentum grew 0.3 points to 84.9 points.
Confidence varied heterogeneously across income groups. In the group with family income up to R$2,100 per month, the index increased 4.2 points, to 90.4 points.
In the group that receives between R$2,100.01 and R$4,800, there was a drop of 5.2 points, to 87.6 points, and in the range of R$4,800.01 to R$9,600, there was an increase of 1.5 points, to 88.7 points. For consumers with income above R$9,600, the ICC registered a decrease of 0.6 points, to 94.1 points.
Data collection for the December edition was carried out between the 1st and 18th of the month.
