The results of the consumer confidence index for the mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao for the third quarter of 2026 were released on Oct. 8. The survey shows that Hong Kong's overall consumer confidence index stood at 83.1 in the third quarter, down 2.2% quarter-on-quarter. Compared with the second quarter, Hong Kong consumers' confidence in stock investment, daily consumption, employment and economic development all declined, while confidence in the price situation and home purchasing rose quarter-on-quarter.
The survey and compilation of the cross-strait and Hong Kong-Macao consumer confidence index is jointly conducted by Capital University of Economics and Business, Central University of Finance and Economics, City University of Hong Kong, Macau University of Science and Technology and Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. The index ranges from 0 to 200, with a reading below 100 indicating "insufficient confidence" and above 100 indicating "confidence." The Department of Decision Analytics and Operations at City University of Hong Kong is responsible for studying consumer confidence in Hong Kong. It interviewed a total of 332 Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above who normally live in the city, using computer random sampling and telephone interviews.
The City University of Hong Kong survey shows that among the six sub-indices, Hong Kong consumers' confidence in four areas — stock investment, daily consumption, employment and economic development — all declined. Among them, confidence in stock investment fell the most, by 10.4%. Although the daily consumption sub-index also dropped, it remained the highest confidence sub-index at 98.5, indicating that respondents' confidence in this area was neutral.
Compared with the previous quarter, Hong Kong consumers' confidence sub-indices for the price situation and home purchasing both recorded increases. In particular, the home purchasing confidence sub-index stood at 77.7, up 2.6% quarter-on-quarter.
Other results of the cross-strait and Hong Kong-Macao consumer confidence index show that in the third quarter of 2026, the mainland's overall consumer confidence index was 98.8, up 1.2 year-on-year and up 0.9 quarter-on-quarter, continuing to recover. Macao's overall consumer confidence index was 94.73, down 3.26 points or 3.33% from the previous quarter, indicating a decline in residents' overall consumer confidence. Taiwan's overall consumer confidence indicator was 93.55, with the price level index remaining the lowest and the item residents worried about most.
Related News:
Report: 57% of Americans say US should pursue friendly cooperation and engagement with China
Comment