Pakistan’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) remained largely unchanged in April, standing at 40.6 points compared to 40.4 points in March, according to the latest survey by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The index, which measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers feel about the economy and their personal financial conditions, operates on a scale from 0 to 100. A reading above 50 indicates optimism, while a figure below that threshold reflects growing concerns.
The report showed mixed signals. The index tracking perceptions of current economic conditions edged up by 1 per cent to 41.3 points, suggesting a slight improvement in how people view the economy today compared to six months ago.
In contrast, expectations for the future dipped. The Expected Economic Conditions (EEC) index fell by 0.6 per cent to 39.9 points, highlighting lingering uncertainty about the economic outlook over the next six months.
Inflation expectations also eased slightly, with that component of the survey down by 0.4 per cent to 66.6 points. Meanwhile, public concern about rising unemployment declined marginally, with the relevant index dropping by 0.8 per cent to 69.4 points.
The CCI is compiled through regular surveys conducted by the central bank, capturing both recent economic experiences and forecasts for the near future. While April’s figures show little overall change, they suggest consumers remain cautious amid persistent economic challenges.
