Consumer optimism muddles through, as fear of unemployment lingers

A spirit of pessimism still looms over consumers in Poland, according to a poll by Demoskop public opinion research company, conducted between March 9 and 12. March brought more expectations of inflation, with stable prices convincing consumers that now is the right moment to purchase material goods. The Consumer Optimism Index increased by one point in March and now sits at 75 points. Specialists say we are now going through a phase of stagnation, with Poles most critical about the state of the economy and its perspectives. Surprisingly, the number of people who think their domestic situation has improved is on the rise. According to Demoskop, Poles are still most afraid of unemployment. Only 9% of consumers are not afraid of unemployment, while more than a third say they have already faced that problem. (Rzeczpospolita, p.B2) J.K.