RBI Urban Consumer Confidence Survey: Sentiment Softens
Why in the news
RBI’s latest urban survey shows careful city households, even as macro fundamentals look sturdy.
Key facts
- Two indices slipped: the Current Situation Index (CSI) and the Future Expectations Index (FEI).
- This marks cooling optimism after a long post-pandemic rebound.
| Factor | What is happening |
|---|---|
| Perceived inflation | Headline CPI is low, but housing, education, healthcare and services stay costly; surveys capture perception |
| Income insecurity | Jobs have held up, yet pay growth is uneven, white-collar churn is rising and gig work is spreading |
| Global worries | City consumers react more to slowdown fears, tech-led job disruption, trade and geopolitical risks |
Urban–rural divergence
Transfers and agriculture-linked income cushion rural families, so shocks reach them later.
Exam angle
- Conducted by RBI; indices: CSI and FEI.
- Idea: income anxiety without unemployment.