# The quarterly Consumer Confidence Index jointly published by First National Bank and the Bureau for Economic Research improved to minus 13 in the third quarter – July to September. This is up from minus 19 recorded during the second quarter – April to June. FNB Senior Economist Sphamandla Mkhwanazi says the improvement reflects stronger sentiment about household finances and the economy. However, consumers remain cautious about major purchases such as cars, furniture and appliances. He says that higher fuel and borrowing costs are likely to continue influencing household spending decisions.
Consumer confidence rebounds, but spending remains cautious