DUBLIN, June 22 (Reuters) - Irish consumer sentiment inched higher in June, rising above the historical average of the series for the first time in two years as the economy slowly reopens, a survey showed on Tuesday.
The KBC Bank Ireland consumer sentiment index rose to 87.2 in June from 85.8 in May, its strongest level since June 2019 and above the 25-year series average of 86.8.
The move marked the fifth successive monthly increase after confidence slumped in January following the reimposition of a COVID-19 lockdown. Restrictions are being gradually eased with indoor dining and drinking only set to resume early next month.
"These results suggest the shadow of the pandemic is gradually lifting from the economy and, as a result, Irish consumers are becoming less concerned about their current circumstances as well as less fearful about the future," KBC Ireland chief economist Austin Hughes said.
Hughes added that while the re-opening of parts of the economy did contribute to a clear easing in nervousness about the general outlook for the economy, concerns were emerging about future financial circumstances for some.
Weaker expectations for household finances, including debt burden and disposable income, over the coming year was the only negative sub section of the survey in June, the data showed. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Alison Williams)
