Consumer confidence improves in Q2

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Consumer confidence improved in the second quarter of the year on expectations of more jobs and investments, the local central bank said today.

According to results of the latest Consumer Expectations Survey, the overall confidence index (CI) eased to -17.3 percent from -18. 8 percent in the first quarter of 2014.

Aside from more upbeat jobs and investments prospects, the Philippine central bank said respondents also attributed their favorable outlook to "strong" business activity and better harvest.

The Philippine central bank said consumer sentiment for the third quarter fell to 0 percent from 5.4 percent while CI for the year ahead slid to 15.9 percent from 19.3 percent in the first quarter.