THE NRB CONFIDENCE INDEX

Press, 26 November 1981, Page 12

THE NRB CONFIDENCE INDEX

Public economic confidence has maintained the same level of optimism as recorded in September while social confidence showed a three point lessening of pessimism, according to the latest “New Zealand Herald” - National Research Bureau confidence index reading taken early this month. This pre-election position is similar to the 1978 situation but slightly different from that recorded in 1975. Public economic confidence in November, 1981, at 52 points is one point above the 1978 figure (51) and two

points above the 1975 figure (50). However, social confidence, which slipped from 44 (1975) to 40 (1978) has now improved to 41 (1981). Economic confidence is relatively highest among men, 15-to-24-year-olds and in Dunedin provincial areas and relatively lowest among women, over-55-year-olds and in Dunedin city. Public social confidence is relatively highest among men, 15-to-24-year-olds and in Christchurch City and relatively lowest among women, 45-to-54-year-olds in Wellington City.

The N.R.B. confidence index is compiled from measurements by the National Research Bureau of the public’s feelings about their present and future personal economic situation and about present and future social and environmental conditions in New Zealand. The measurements are obtained from bi-monthly surveys of 2200 randomly selected New Zealanders, 15 years of age and over. Index values of 0-49 reflect public pessimism and index values of 51-100 reflect public optimism. —“New Zealand Herald.”