Uncertainty about the approval of the fiscal reform and the general strike called by the unions are two of the main elements that led consumer confidence to its lowest level, according to the Statistical School of the University of Costa Rica.
In November 2018, the consumer confidence index reached 28.2 on a scale of 100, this is the lowest level since the indicator survey began in September 2002. The result of November came to deepen the negative results, which had already manifested from the previous quarter.
The survey was conducted between November 1st and 22nd, that is, it ended before the green light given unanimously by the constitutional magistrates to the bill for the Strengthening of Public Finances (file 20.580).
The figure of the indicator is lower than the 31.6 of the Solís Administration, when there was an increase in crime and the closing of companies was announced as well as the possibility of a new crisis.
It is also lower than the 33.1 of the Pacheco Administration, when an increase in inflation and oil prices caused fear among consumers, along with the protests over the Free Trade Agreement between Central America and the United States (CAFTA).
Currently, the expectation of consumers that taxes will rise in the near future, as well as increases in fuel prices, interest rates and the exchange rate, weighs negatively.
There is a negative assessment of the best time to buy a home and vehicle: 77% and 84% are the magnitudes, respectively. People believe it is a bad time to invest in one of these goods.
Half of the population thought that the government is doing a poor job in terms of economic policy.