Consumers and businesses were more confident about economic prospects in the second quarter of 2021 when compared to the prior quarter, but optimism among both groups still lags pre-pandemic levels.

The business confidence index increased to 130.8 points in June, compared to 115.2 points in March 2021 and 115.4 points in June 2020. Consumer confidence increased to 149.8 points from 120.7 points in March 2021 and but remained below the 165.2 points recorded in June 2020.

“Confidence has shot up, but it is not at pre-COVID-19 levels,” said Managing Director of Market Research Services, Don Anderson, in his quarterly address of the Confidence Indices on Tuesday. The fieldwork, which is done by Market Research Services on behalf of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, was conducted between April and June.

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20210721/consumer-business-confidence-re-emerging