By Zoila Palma: Consumer confidence in Belize rose slightly in January 2026, according to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).
The national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) increased by 0.9 percent, reaching 48.3 from 47.9 in December 2025.
While still below the 50-point mark that signals overall optimism, the uptick reflects modest improvements in sentiment about current economic conditions and major household purchases.
The CCI, a key indicator of consumer sentiment, measures how households perceive the economy, their own financial situations, and the timing of major purchases such as homes, vehicles, and appliances.
It ranges from 0 (completely pessimistic) to 100 (completely optimistic) and is broken down into three components: perceptions of the present, expectations for the future, and willingness to buy durable goods.
January’s increase was driven primarily by the ‘Present’ and ‘Durable Goods’ components.
Sentiment about current economic and household conditions improved by 3.8 percent, rising to 45.1, while confidence in making durable goods purchases inched up to 42.5.
District-level trends showed significant variation.
Corozal led the gains, with CCI climbing 7.1 percent to 45.4. This improvement was fueled by an 18.1 percent jump in expectations for the future and a 5 percent rise in perceptions of present conditions, although confidence in durable goods fell by 11 percent.
However, Stann Creek experienced the largest decline, with overall confidence dropping 13.7 percent to 41.7, primarily due to a 33.7 percent fall in durable goods sentiment and a 9.5 percent drop in future expectations.
Rural areas also reported stronger sentiment, with the rural CCI rising 1.4 percent to 49.7.
The CCI provides an early indication of household spending, investment, and saving behavior, which are critical to overall economic growth.
The post Belizean consumer confidence rises slightly in January 2026 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Consumer confidence in Belize rose slightly in January 2026, according to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) increased by 0.9 percent, reaching 48.3 from 47.9 in December 2025. While still below the 50-point mark that signals overall optimism, the uptick reflects modest
The post Belizean consumer confidence rises slightly in January 2026 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
