Men more confident than women, MasterCard study finds

Photo / Herald on Sunday

New Zealand men are significantly more positive about employment, economy and quality of life than women according to MasterCard.

The technology payment company released its biannual MasterCard Index of Consumer Confidence which showed the gender divide was widening.

Based on five factors including economy, employment prospects, income prospects, stock market and quality of life, confidence among Kiwi men was at 66.4 compared with 43.5 for women.

"Our latest research indicates that Kiwi women have a much more cautious outlook on the next six months than their male counterparts," said Peter Chisnall, MasterCard country manager for New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

"Men are being much more bullish in their outlook across all factors, however it is positive that all New Zealanders are feeling positive about their regular income opportunities," he said.

"This may be a reflection of an improving labour market and an indication that Kiwis are feeling that they have a good level of job security for the remainder of this year."

The survey showed men were more confident across all factors than women although both men and women were confident about regular income opportunities.

Chisnall said this was due to Auckland's labour market being particularly strong, with low interest rates and a housing boom contributing to people feeling more confident.

New Zealand was also up when compared to overseas with an average rating of 55.5 compared to Australia's 42.2. Asia Pacific had an average rating of 59.7.

"Compared to international trends, New Zealanders are seeing our economic environment as comparatively safe and secure," Chisnall said.

"We are fortunate that we have seen very little unrest locally in recent years from an economic or political perspective, which provides a relatively stable business and social setting," he said.

"These economic conditions are giving people the confidence to seek new opportunities with New Zealanders feeling labour market prospects and opportunities are good."

New Zealand ranked 9th overall with Australia ranking 11th out of 17 surveyed markets.