Brazil's consumer expectations reached an all-time high in December, exceeding pre-crisis levels, the
National Consumer Expectations Index (INEC) showed on Friday.
The index was calculated by the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry based on 2,002 interviews done in 143 municipalities across the
country.
It included such elements as personal income, financial situation, intended purchase of greater-value goods, debt, inflation and employment.
The INEC index reached 117.2 points in the fourth quarter of year, up 1.5 percent from the previous quarter.
"The INEC grows in December, because it reflects the optimism of people about the year that is about to begin," said Renato da Fonseca, chief
executive of research, evaluation and development at the confederation.
Optimistic expectations for personal income, financial situation and intended purchases of greater-value goods boosted the INEC index, he added.
The expectations for personal income rose 5.1 percent to a historic high of 119.6 points in the fourth quarter, said da Fonseca.