Consumer Confidence Is Up, But Belizeans Remain Pessimistic

The latest Consumer Confidence Index may suggest that Belizeans are feeling better about the economy, but that does not mean they are feeling good about it. The Statistical Institute of Belize’s July report drew skepticism after it recorded an increase in confidence, prompting many Belizeans to question who SIB surveys and how it collects the data. Today, SIB Manager Jacqueline Sabal explained that the institute interviews consumers by telephone. She also offered an important clarification: while confidence improved in July, the overall index remains in negative territory. In fact, Belizeans have maintained a pessimistic outlook throughout the year. Here is how Sabal broke down the numbers.

 

Jacqueline Sabal, Manager, SIB

“Regarding our most recent release, which is the July 2026 release, now we measure consumer confidence on a month-to-month basis and for July 2026 we reported the index at forty-two point six. Just to provide more context here as well the consumer confidence index has a reference point of fifty. So, if the index goes above fifty, we are in levels of optimism, meaning that Belizeans are feeling optimistic about things. If the index is below fifty then we are feeling pessimistic. The index for July was at forty-two point six, which is still within levels of pessimism. However, because it is reported in comparison to the month before, it was a slight increase of five-point one point or three-point six percent compared to June. But what we want to also emphasize is that we have been noting the index trending downward from the start of the year. This was the first time we have seen that slight increase. But even so it was still within levels of pessimism. So, I think that is still important to make notes of. To know if that slight increase is a real change in consumer sentiment, we will need to look at it over a longer period of time, and not just that one month in time.”

 

According to Sabal, SIB collects data for its consumer confidence index monthly and uses close ended questions during its phone calls to avoid taking away too much time from citizens.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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