Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In December 2023, the consumer confidence index (CCI) of Uzbek citizens recovered and reached a record value of 135.3 points, according to the results of a Freedom Finance Global study.

The index grew by 3 points, mainly due to a sharp increase in optimism in expectations and assessments of changes in personal financial situation.

The subindex of changes in personal financial situation increased to 136.7 points, which is a new record for the six months of the study. This is due to an increase in the share of positive responses about the improvement of the financial situation among the population.

Expectations for changes in personal financial situation also increased significantly by 7.4 points. 76.3% of Uzbek citizens expect an improvement in their financial situation by the end of 2024.

The assessment of changes in the economy over the past 12 months increased from 128.2 to 129.6 points. 55.1% of residents believe that the economy of Uzbekistan will show improvement in 2023.

Inflation expectations of Uzbek citizens remained at the same level, but decreased compared to previous months. Only 14.9% expect a strong rise in prices during the month.

The share of those who expect the soum to weaken against the dollar over the next 12 months remained at approximately the same levels, amounting to 66.5%.

Credit confidence fell for the second month in a row, and the calm index decreased. However, the share of those who expect unemployment to rise during the year has decreased.

The overall recovery in consumer confidence in Uzbekistan in December 2023 stands out in the context of regional trends, which saw declines in most Central Asian countries except Uzbekistan.