Global consumer confidence increased in the first quarter of 2013, rising two index points to 93 from 91 in Q4 2012, according to findings from the Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions. Improved consumer attitudes about job prospects, personal finances and the ability to spend in the U.S., across key Asian export markets and throughout northern and central Europe helped drive the quarterly uptick. On a year-over-year basis, however, the Q1 2013 index score of 93 is a point lower than it was in Q1 2012.

In the latest survey, conducted Feb. 18–March 8, 2013, consumer confidence rose in 55 percent of markets measured by Nielsen, compared with a 33-percent increase in the previous quarter. North America (94) reported the biggest quarterly increase of four points, followed by Asia-Pacific (103), which increased two index points. Declines were reported in the Middle East/Africa region (85), which decreased 11 index points, and in Latin America (94), which declined two index points. Europe’s regional consumer confidence index of 71 held steady from Q4 2012.

Confidence increased four points in the U.S. (93), three points in Germany (90), 14 points in Japan (73), and held steady in China (108) from their levels in Q4 2012.