GfK: Romanians' confidence in the economy remains in the negative area | Progresiv
During 2018, consumers have not regained confidence in the economy at the level they had in 2017. Romanians have become reluctant because of the monetary market tensions (ROBOR growth) and the uncertain economic situation. Therefore, the Consumption Climate indicator measured by GfK is still negative, located in the pessimism area (-20.7). 
At European Union level, consumers are concerned about lower living standards. The “Yellow Vests” protests in France or manifestations against racism in Italy, rising oil prices and Brexit have led to a drop in the confidence index to -6.
The indicator on the confidence of Romanian consumers is determined by pessimistic forecasts in most chapters. Only 11% believe in a positive evolution of the economy and the same percentage is expected to decrease the unemployment rate in the next year. However, the Romanians look a little more optimistic when it comes to expectations about their own finances. Nearly a quarter of them trust that it will look better, compared to 19% a year earlier.
Even though the FMCG and electro-IT markets increased in 2018 (6% and 13% respectively versus 2017), consumers are reluctant when it comes to purchasing durable goods in the future. For 2019, 4 out of 10 Romanians (42%) declare that they will decrease their budget for purchases such as furniture, washing machines, etc., almost as many who say they will keep their budget for such acquisitions 41%). Only 10% of Romanians have expressed their intention to invest more than before.
From a wider perspective, household consumption of consumer goods will be further maintained by the increase in disposable income of the population, an impact that can be offset by the tightening of credit terms.
The results come from the GfK Omnibus study, conducted through the TAWI methodology (tablet interviews), on 1,020 respondents, nationwide representative.
