The latest fourth quarter 2011 global consumer confidence report by Nielsen, a global leader in providing information about what consumers buy and watch, reveals the ten most optimistic markets in the world.

The findings released earlier this month show that consumer confidence globally increased one index point to 89 at the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011.

The survey has found that India is the most optimistic market in the world, in consecutive two years in a row. The other key findings of the survey are:

  • U.S. consumer confidence index increased 6 points to 83
  • China's consumer confidence increased four points to 108

• More than half (52 percent) of respondents describe finances as excellent or good, but about 65 percent think it is not a good time to buy.
• Confidence declined in 24 of 27 European markets

While Europe's challenging economic conditions in the second half of 2011 bought renewed vulnerability and fragility to consumers and financial markets globally, some of the most positive news last quarter came from the world's two largest economies-the U.S. and China-where confidence rebounded to Q1 2011 levels, said Dr. Venkatesh Bala, Chief Economist at The Cambridge Group, a part of Nielsen, in the report.

Buoyant domestic consumption also maintained confidence levels in the large emerging economies of India, Indonesia and Brazil. However, slowing GDP growth within emerging economies and inflationary pressures would suggest some degree of caution for the year ahead, he added.

Click on the Start button to view the top ten most optimistic markets in the world.

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1. India
India’s one point consumer confidence index increased to 122 at the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011. It is the highest score of 56 countries surveyed. “The stabilization of India’s consumer confidence metric is encouraging and the retention of the top spot globally reminds us of the inherent strength of the Indian economy, the savings mindset of the Indian consumer, and the positivity of consumer sentiment which has likely been helped by the recent cooling of inflationary pressure,” said Justin Sargent, Managing Director, Nielsen India. REUTERS/ Kamal Kishore
Indonesia
While Indonesia has made tremendous economic progress in recent years, millions remain trapped in poverty, particularly in rural areas. Reuters/Beawiharta Beawihart
3. Philippines
A Filipino farmer harvest rice stalks in a field at Gloria town in Mindoro island south of Manila July 31, 2005. Philippines, with five points consumer confidence index increase to 117, is the third most optimistic market in the world, according to Nielsen fourth quarter 2011 global consumer confidence report. REUTERS/Erik de Castro
4. Saudi Arabia
The Kabba, a holy Muslim site in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Reuters/Hassan Ali
5. Brazil
In Latin America, Brazil recorded the highest consumer confidence in the region with an index of 112, the fifth highest score of 56 countries measured. “Brazil continues to experience gradual economic growth with a dip in unemployment, inflation control, an expansion of credit and political stability”, said Eduardo Ragasol, Managing Director, Nielsen Brazil. “More Brazilians today have the opportunity to buy products that were previously only accessible to the higher social classes, which is contributing to the optimism in the country.” REUTERS/Bruno Domingos
6. China
One of the biggest quarterly confidence gains last quarter came from China with four points consumer confidence index increase to 108. “In China, the easing of food inflation over the past five months has significantly driven food prices down and adjustments to macro-economic policies have re-energized growth, particularly through more loans, which partly resulted in the four point confidence climb to an index of 108,” said Yan Xuan, President, Nielsen Greater China. REUTERS
7. United Arab Emirates
Consumer confidence remained flat in United Arab Emirates at 105 at he fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011. REUTERS/Steve Crisp
7. Thailand
Thailand beaches and islands are not unknown for their romantic charm but touring the capital city of Bangkok and happening beach city Pattaya provides a great value for money for newlywed couples.In picture: Bangkok's Victory Monument is seen lit as cars go past it's roundabout. REUTERS/Adrees Latif
9. Australia
Australia's consumer confidence increased six index points last quarter to 103. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz
10. Malaysia
Consumer confidence last quarter in Malaysia remained flat at 101. REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad
China India Gdp China