Economic Optimism

Public confidence and spending habits are recognised as key indicators of how the economy is likely to perform in the coming months. The Scottish Public Opinion Monitor tracks levels of optimism among Scots towards both the Scottish and UK economies, as well as consumer confidence through intention to make 'big ticket' purchases.

Optimism among Scots for the UK and Scottish economies continued to fall in December 2011, reaching their lowest levels we have recorded since our polling began in August 2009. Scots remain more optimistic about the prospects of the Scottish economy than they do about the UK economy.

Economic optimism


Intention to make 'big ticket' purchases provides an indication of the extent to which confidence is returning.  This has remained steady over the last few quarters, with just over half of Scots intending to take a foreign holiday and just over one in ten intending to move home or buy a new car.

Consumer confidence