The Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating for New Zealand fell 1.2 points to 95.9 in early March, a survey carried out by Roy Morgan Research showed Friday. The index stood below 116.8 recorded during the same period of previous year.
Executive Chairman, Gary Morgan said, "The most striking development is the falling number of New Zealanders saying now is a 'good time to buy' major household items - down 5% to 41%. It is now at its lowest level for five months, since November 2008."
Around 63% of New Zealanders expect 'bad times' economically through the next 12 months while only 20% expect 'good times.' Looking forward, 45% of New Zealanders forecast 'good times' for the nation in the coming five years.
The survey was conducted between February 16 and March 1, covering 1,072 people aged 14 and above.
Nearly 41% of respondents said that their family is financially 'worse off' than a year ago. Further, the survey found that New Zealanders are still positive about their family's financial position when looking forward with 49% expecting their family to be 'better off' financially in a year's time compared to 24% that expect to be 'worse off' financially in a year's time.
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