The consumer confidence indicator stood at 6.0 in January, easing up from 4.4 in December and 2.6 in November.
One year ago, in January 2014, the consumer confidence indicator stood at 9.9, even then below the long-term average of 11.8.
Expectations concerning personal and the national economy, as well the development of unemployment, improved slightly in January compared with December. Views on households' saving possibilities remained unchanged.
Even so, consumers' views concerning their personal finances and Finland's economy remained cautious and the views about unemployment were still gloomy. Altogether, 57% believe unemployment will increase over the year, while 13% expect to see the employment situation improve.
The data are based on Statistics Finland’s Consumer Survey, for which 1,272 people resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 19 January.