Poll shows consumer optimism index continues to grow

Consumer optimism rose for the fifth month running in November to a two-year high of 82 points, a private opinion poll showed on Tuesday, signalling new hopes for an economic rebound. The data backs recent industrial output and retail sales figures suggesting that the weakened economy is turning a corner. In March, consumer confidence measured by the private Ipsos-Demoskop firm fell to 68 points, its lowest level since the early 1990s. It seems likely that the economy will grow by just over 1% this year. The poll showed consumers' propensity to spend rose 2.5 points to a 16-month high of 88.5 points in November. Earlier on Tuesday, the central bank said in a quarterly report conducted in the first half of September that corporate optimism should improve slightly in the fourth quarter, even though a reluctant recovery abroad is damaging prospects at home. The latest news of the surging strength of the zloty is likely to hit exports and probably the wider economy as well, although consumers might find some imports cheaper. (Reuters)