Don Anderson, managing director of Market Research Services, presents the 2019 Third-Quarter Business and Consumer Confidence Indices at the Courtyard by Marriott on Tuesday (October 15). (Photos: Garfield Robinson)

The level of confidence in the economy by both businesses and consumers has declined in the third quarter of 2019, though the indices are just short of the highest they have ever been, according to a survey undertaken by Market Research Services (MRS) on behalf of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC).

Managing director of MRS, Don Anderson reported that declines in consumers’ perception of current business conditions, and expectations for jobs in the future for the third quarter of 2019, are the reasons for the break in the upward trend in consumer confidence over the last seven quarters.

“When we see the trends of the last five years, we will see that we’re at a period in time when the indices are the highest they have ever been, but it is noticeable that over the last quarter there has been a fall-off , and it has to be noted and watched very carefully,” Anderson said.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-observer/business-and-consumer-confidence-dips-but-still-remains-high_177320