Argentina: Consumer sentiment worsens in February
The Universidad Torcuato di Tella (UTDT) consumer confidence index dropped from 45.2 points in January to 43.8 points in February. The index dipped further below the 50-point threshold that separates pessimistic from optimistic sentiment among consumers, where it has been almost uninterruptedly since January 2016.
The decline reflected consumers’ more pessimistic views towards most components of the index. The short- and long-term macroeconomic outlooks were perceived more negatively in February, although they remained above the 50-point mark, while the view of personal financial situations for the upcoming year deteriorated sharply. In turn, willingness to make major purchases was the only component that improved in the surveyed time, albeit from a very low base.