Consumer confidence dropped to 55.4 points on the overall confidence index for the second half of 2009 released by MasterCard Worldwide, compared to 64.4 points in the first half of 2009. The Index score is calculated with zero as the most pessimistic, 50 as neutral, and 100 as most optimistic.

The survey showed that consumers were less optimistic regarding their income, employment conditions, stock market activity, economy and quality of Life in H2, 09 compared to H1,09.

Consumer sentiment regarding employment conditions declined to 54 points from 63 points a period earlier while that regarding economy conditions was down to 55 points from 59 points a period ago.

“Consumer confidence in Lebanon reflects the market’s unique dynamics as opposed to the global economic environment,” said Shaun Rashid, head of MasterCard’s Worldwide operations in Egypt and Levant.

The survey was conducted from October to November 2009, and included 2,400 consumers from the MENA region and the Levant.