Consumer confidence in Abu Dhabi dropped around 16.6% Y-o-Y in the first quarter of 2016. The general index for consumer confidence reached 115 points in the quarter. The index for consumer confidence includes sub-indices covering financial conditions, and confidence in economic policies related to the consumer. The results of the index’s performance came in the Abu Dhabi Economic Performance Report issued by the emirate’s Department of Economic Development (DED). As for expectations on the economy’s outlook, the general index was at around 148 points in the first quarter of this year – down from 171 points in the first three months of 2015. It is up slightly from the last quarter of 2015, though, when it stood at 146 points. DED’s report said the performance of the consumer confidence index also showed how affected consumers in Abu Dhabi are and their evaluation of their financial and living standards. The consumer confidence index is affected by internal and external factors including the rising inflation rate in Abu Dhabi, unfavorable developments of the global economy according to the DED. (Gulf News)