According to the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence report, Portugal's consumer confidence index rose by 8 points in the fourth quarter of 2016, reaching a historical high for the country—74 points! This index also surpassed countries such as Finland (68 points), France (66 points), Russia (63 points), Italy (58 points), and Greece (53 points). Meanwhile, the average consumer confidence index for EU countries was 81 points, and the global average index was 101 points.
So, what exactly is the "Consumer Confidence Index"? And what does this index indicate?
The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is an indicator that reflects the strength of consumer confidence. It comprehensively reflects and quantifies consumers' subjective feelings regarding the current economic situation, economic prospects, income levels, income expectations, and consumer psychological states. It is a leading indicator for predicting economic trends and consumption patterns, and an indispensable basis for monitoring economic cycle changes. The concept and methodology of the Consumer Confidence Index were proposed by George Katona of the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the University of Michigan in the late 1940s.
A steady rise in the consumer confidence index indicates that consumers have positive expectations for future income and that there are signs of expanding consumer spending, which is conducive to economic improvement.
According to a report by "Notícia ao Minuto," Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated on March 1, 2017, that the final results of Portugal's economic development in 2016 were satisfactory, with the economic growth rate in the last quarter reaching as high as 2%, exceeding the forecasts of all institutions.
Meanwhile, as 2017 has just begun, Portuguese property prices have ushered in a new round of increases!
According to data from Statistics Portugal, in January 2017, the average national property price in Portugal rose to 1,106 euros per square meter. Compared to December 2016, property prices in January 2017 declined only in the Madeira and Azores archipelagos, while the largest increase in property prices occurred in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
With the economy growing steadily and property prices rising in tandem, Portugal, with such strong development momentum, is currently an excellent opportunity for investment immigration. By purchasing property or agricultural real estate worth 500,000 euros or more, you can obtain Golden Residence status for your entire family in one go, enjoy Portugal's high welfare benefits, and achieve the preservation, appreciation, and inheritance of your wealth—truly a multi-benefit solution. For more immigration information, please call: 400-138-2929.