Consumer confidence in Taiwan labor market improves in October

Consumer confidence in Taiwan's labor market continued to improve in October, despite the fact that economic growth has remained depressed over the last few months, according to a report released on Monday. The report, which measured overall consumer confidence, found that consumer sentiment about the labor market for the next six months was positive for the 19th consecutive month in October. The report, released by Taiwan's Central University, said the consumer confidence index stood at 72.73 in October, 1.62 points lower than in the previous month and marking a two-month slide. Among the index's six components, four slipped in October, including consumer sentiment about prices and family financial conditions. Optimistic sentiment about the labor market was the only bright spot. Consumers are deemed optimistic when the index has a score between 100 and 200, while they are considered pessimistic if the index stands between 0 and 100. The index covering the labor market had a score of 108.80 in October, 0.75 points higher than in September. The index has remained above 100 for the last 19 months. The index of consumer confidence in October was compiled based on the results of telephone interviews conducted between Oct. 19 and 22 with a total of 2,434 people over the age of 20.