Global consumer confidence increased one index point to 97 in the second quarter of 2014, marking the highest level since first-quarter 2007. This forward momentum comes after a stagnant 2013, when confidence was stubbornly stuck at 94 for three out of four quarters.

Regionally, North America (103) and Europe (77) reported consumer confidence increases of three and two points, respectively, from the first quarter. Confidence was highest in the Asia-Pacific region, which held steady from the first quarter with a score of 106. Confidence declined in the Latin America (90) and Middle East/Africa regions (93), dropping three points and one point, respectively.

The Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions, established in 2005, measures consumer confidence, major concerns and spending intentions among more than 30,000 respondents with Internet access in 60 countries. Consumer confidence levels above and below a baseline of 100 indicate degrees of optimism and pessimism.

In addition to highlighting the second-quarter 2014 findings, Nielsen released its Global Consumer Confidence Trend Tracker, which allows users to create dynamic historical views by region, country and time period so they can explore consumer trends, compare markets and reveal insights in a click. Give it a try here.