China’s urban consumer optimism rises despite slowing growth

HONG KONG: Strength in real estate and labour markets helped consumers in China’s biggest cities shrug off last year’s slowdown, according to a new survey based on 12,000 interviews.

RFi Group’s Urban Financial Sentiment Index rose to 101 in the second half of 2015, up from 92.5 in the first half. Readings over 100 show consumers say they’re optimistic about their financial positions, while those below indicate pessimism, according to the Sydney-based market research firm and financial data provider. The gauge was above 105 in late 2013 and early 2014.